Traditional scarification, superinfected royal tumors and surgery in the Von Recklinghausen disease: two cases report in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Surgical resection is indicated in cases of royal tumor; especially in selected cases where complications from skin, mucous membranes and visceral lesions hinder the functional and vital prognosis of patients. It is rare and an ancient practice; surgical resection does not increase the risk of malignant degeneration. We report two cases of royal necrotic tumor from women seen at the Yalagado Ouedraogo University Hospital. They were aged 60 and 62 years. Scarification and application of traditional products were the starting point of the infections. The tumor was located in the hypogastric region for the first patient and at the right leg for the second. The tumors were superinfected, nauseating and debilitating.  These two patients had also nodules scattered throughout the body, which lasted for several years.  Surgical resection of the mass was performed in emergency and improved the quality of life and functional outcomes of the two patients.

Although it is only palliative, the benefits of the surgery are appreciated at the functional, psychological and aesthetical level, especially in the case of royal infected tumors. It improves the quality of life and restores the patients' autonomy.  Awareness campaign against scarification would avoid superinfections.