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Epidermal Inclusion Cyst in the Foot of a Vietnam Veteran

Jeffrey P. Hall, DPM ^*, Robert J. Sheffey, DPM ^*, William E. Chagares, DPM  and Raymond M. Yong, DPM 

^* St Joseph Hospital/North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Program, North Chicago, IL. Dr. Hall is now with the Department of Podiatry, Lakeshore Medical Clinic, Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Sheffey is now in private practice, Chicago Foot and Ankle Specialists, Chicago, IL.
Department of Podiatry, North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Chicago, IL.

Corresponding author: Jeffrey P. Hall, DPM, Department of Podiatry, Lakeshore Medical Clinic, 180 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Abstract

Epidermal inclusion cysts are soft-tissue lesions that result from traumatic implantation of epidermal cells into the dermis. A case report is presented involving a large recurrent plantar inclusion cyst secondary to trauma sustained in the Vietnam War. The patient reported that the initiating trauma was the result of stepping on a punji stake in Vietnam. Punji stakes, sharpened spikes typically made of bamboo and dipped in poison or excrement, were used by the Vietnamese soldiers to wound enemy soldiers. Careful excision of the lesion is imperative to prevent recurrence. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96(5): 445–447, 2006)