Cutaneous leishmaniasis mimicking squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

A 41-year-old man from Cuero, Texas with a nonhealinglesion on his left cheek was referred to ourclinic for removal of a squamous cell carcinoma. Thepatient first noticed a "pimple" on his left cheek 3-4months prior to presentation. When the lesion beganto grow he presented to his primary care physician anda biopsy was taken, showing "atypical squamous cellproliferation." Mohs surgery was performed and thenodule was removed with no evidence of malignancyseen on histopathology. Upon review of the surgicalbiopsies by consulting pathologists, the diagnosis ofleishmaniasis was established and later confirmed bythe Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)as Leishmania mexicana. The patient was referred toinfectious disease specialists for further management.