Arsenic and amputations in Cambodia.
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Date
2010-06
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Abstract
Background: Elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water in Cambodia were first identified in 1999. The first
cases of suspected arsenicosis were identified by the WHO in 2002, and the first laboratory confirmed cases
were found in 2006.
Objective: Present three patients with ulcerating tumors of the legs who came from two different districts in
Cambodia.
Results: Cutaneous lesions characteristic of chronic arsenicosis were exhibited, and squamous cell carcinomas
requiring amputation had developed. The clinical features of chronic arsenicosis and its surgical management
were examined, in addition to its impact in Cambodia and current preventive strategies
Conclusion: There will be an increased incidence of these problems in the future. Medical practitioners in the
Mekong River Basin should be aware of them, so as to recognize them early, and treat them appropriately.
Description
Keywords
Amputation, arsenicosis, Cambodia, drinking water, squamous cell carcinoma
Citation
Asian Biomedicine (Research Reviews and News); Vol. 4 No. 3 Jun 2010; 469-474.