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squamous cell carcinoma, skin, side effect, marijuana, lichen simplex chronicus, dermatology, cutaneous, cannabinoids, adverse event, psychoactive drug
Jennifer Laborada , Philip R. Cohen
Cite this article as: Laborada J, Cohen P R (April 05, 2022) Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Lichen Simplex Chronicus Successfully Treated with Topical Cannabinoid Oil: A Case Report and Summary of Cannabinoids in Dermatology. Cureus 14(4): e23850. doi:10.7759/cureus.23850
Cannabidiol is a member of the cannabinoids, consisting of a diverse class of compounds derived from Cannabis sativa. There are three types of cannabinoids based on origin: endocannabinoids (endogenous), phytocannabinoids (plant-derived), and synthetic cannabinoids (synthesized). The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in skin homeostasis, such as proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory signaling. A 64-year-old woman with a history of multiple squamous cell carcinomas who presented with skin lesions on her bilateral dorsal hands is reported. Her skin biopsies showed lichen simplex chronicus on her left hand and squamous cell carcinoma on her right hand; both lesions resolved with topical application of 20% cannabidiol. Cutaneous adverse events associated with cannabinoid use and potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoids in inflammatory skin diseases and skin cancer are also summarized.
Cannabinoids are a broad class of chemical compounds that are biologically and structurally similar to delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, a major psychoactive compound derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana. Cannabinoids are classified into three classes, depending on their origin: endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are produced in animals and humans and present in the central and peripheral organs. Phytocannabinoids are produced from C. sativa, the most well-known being delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Synthetic cannabinoids have been created in the laboratory [1].
Cannabinoids find several potential applications in dermatology. These include not only cosmetic uses, but also the management of several cutaneous diseases. In addition, possibly secondary to anti-inflammatory effects, cannabinoids may have a potential role in the management of cutaneous malignancy [2].
A woman with multiple biopsy-confirmed cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas presented with a new red plaque on her dorsal left hand. Biopsy revealed lichen simplex chronicus; however, she self-initiated treatment with topical cannabinoid oil, twice daily, and the lesion completely resolved within four weeks. Several prior biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinomas on her dorsal hands also completely regressed after similar treatment with topical cannabinoid oil. The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology and observed adverse cutaneous events to topical and oral cannabinoids are summarized.
A 64-year-old woman presented for an evaluation of her skin. She had a history of multiple squamous cell carcinomas predominantly restricted to her extensor forearms and dorsal hands. Many of these had been biopsy-confirmed and treated with a topical cannabinoid.
Cutaneous examination showed a new erythematous scaly 14 x 10 mm plaque on her left dorsal hand (Figure 1). The lesion had been present for three months. A skin biopsy demonstrated lichen simplex chronicus.
Distant (a) and closer (b) views of a red scaly plaque (black oval) on the left dorsal hand proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the second digit. Skin biopsy established a diagnosis of lichen simplex chronicus, which completely resolved within four weeks after starting twice-daily topical treatment with 20% cannabinoid oil.
Before receiving the pathology report, she began topical treatment of the lesion with a cannabinoid oil she had acquired that consisted of 20 mg of cannabidiol in emu oil (EMU 420 essential) (Figure 2). She applied the cannabinoid oil twice daily to the lesion. Within four weeks, the lesion site only showed erythema.
The list of ingredients (a) for a cannabinoid product containing 20 mg of cannabidiol in emu oil (EMU 420 essential) (b). The directions for topical application are also provided (c).
Her lateral right hand showed the site of biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. The original lesion had presented as an erythematous scaling red plaque. Currently, there was only a small focus of scale with an underlying 12 x 9 mm of erythema (Figure 3). She had treated the tumor with the same cannabinoid oil, twice daily; within less than four weeks, the tumor had completely resolved.
Distant (a) and closer (b) views of an erythematous patch (black oval) with a small focus of scale (black arrow) on the lateral right dorsal hand representing the treated site of a biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma that completely resolved with twice daily application of CBD oil for four weeks. A subungual hemorrhage is also present on the right middle finger (red arrow).
She commented that similar to the tumor on her right hand, several other biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinomas on her dorsal hands had rapidly disappeared after treatment with the cannabinoid oil.
A lymph node examination was performed, and there was no palpable adenopathy in the neck, submental area, or axillae. She intends to maintain regularly scheduled follow-up appointments for skin and lymph node examination to ensure the persistence of tumor regression.
Cannabinoids are classified based on their origin. Endocannabinoids are produced in animals and humans (Table 1) [1-3]. Phytocannabinoids are produced by the plant C. sativa (Table 2) [1-3], and synthetic cannabinoids are synthesized (Table 3) [1-3]. These three types of cannabinoids elicit their effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which comprises G-protein-coupled receptors cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, respectively (Table 4) [1-3].
aThese are cognate compounds and not true endocannabinoids, as they do not bind to cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2.
CB, cannabinoid receptor; CNS, central nervous system.
There are several routes of administration for cannabinoids; indeed, the base likely affects the absorption level (Table 5) [4]. Topical application is most commonly used in dermatology. Cannabinoids may be used in smoking or used in baking brownies [4].
aAvailable forms of topical application include balms, bath bombs, creams, lip balms, lotions, oils, ointments, salves, soaps, sticks/roll-ons, and transdermal delivery.
Cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of pruritus. In a prospective cohort study of 2456 patients with atopic dermatitis, application of a palmitoylethanolamide containing cream twice a day for four to six weeks was associated with a statistically significant improvement in itch and sleep disturbance. The investigators postulated that palmitoylethanolamide alleviates itch by inhibiting the activation of mast cells by binding to cannabinoid receptor 2 [5]. Indeed, the anti-pruritic effects of cannabinoids can also be utilized in several skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, prurigo nodularis, and uremic pruritus [2,6,7].
Cannabinoids have shown therapeutic potential for acne through their anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-lipogenic activity in human sebocytes in vitro (Table 6) [3]. In addition, cannabinoids may have anti-aging effects and stimulate collagen synthesis and regulate basal cells in the epidermis [3]. They may also play a role in wound healing by promoting wound re-epithelization and scar formation [2].
The endocannabinoid system has anti-inflammatory properties and hence is used in the management of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. In a study of 11 patients treated with 3% cannabis seeds cream, there was a significant decrease in erythema and sebum, compared to controls. The investigators hypothesize a possible therapeutic use of cannabinoids not only for acne, but also for seborrheic dermatitis [6].
Other studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids have immunomodulatory effects. These include antigen processing, inhibition of human keratinocyte proliferation, macrophage/T-cell interaction, and release of interleukin-2, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from immune cells. Thus, it has been postulated that cannabinoids may be a novel therapeutic option for psoriasis [7].
Cannabinoids may play a role in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa by modulating the inflammatory response and levels of keratins. In an observational study of three children with epidermolysis bullosa, treatment with cannabidiol demonstrated significant improvement in pain, blistering, and wound healing [8]. Similar promising findings were observed in another study of three adults with epidermolysis bullosa who were treated with combined sublingual tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol [2].
Synthetic cannabinoids also offer a therapeutic option for the management of skin conditions. A phase II clinical trial including 42 patients demonstrated that individuals with systemic sclerosis/scleroderma treated with ajulemic acid (a synthetic cannabinoid) had a statistically significant increase in the likelihood of improvement compared to controls. The researchers hypothesized that this occurred since the cannabinoids reduced extracellular matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation rate [8]. Furthermore, since synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with hair loss by inducing the catagen phase of hair growth, cannabinoid antagonists may represent a potential treatment option for patients with hair loss disorders [5].
Cannabinoids have also been evaluated for their potential role in the management of skin cancer (Table 7) [2,9]. A study using the synthetic cannabinoid WIN-55,212-2 demonstrated the induction of apoptosis of Kaposi sarcoma endothelial cells and inhibition of angiogenesis. However, another study found that low-dose delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol facilitated the replication and transmission of the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [2].
Similarly, there is contradicting evidence on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. One group of investigators reported that endocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and phytocannabinoids decreased non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo through cannabinoid receptor-dependent and independent pathways. Yet, another study indicated that mice deficient in cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 had significantly lower rates of ultraviolet B-induced inflammation and skin carcinogenesis than wild-type mice. The conflicting cannabinoid data observed in non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma studies could result from various factors including that the effects of cannabinoids are dose-specific and that the in vitro studies may not have accounted for the tumor microenvironment [6,7,9].
Our patient has multiple squamous cell carcinomas and lichen simplex chronicus. She applied 20% cannabidiol in emu oil twice daily to her lesions. Both malignant cancer and chronic dermatitis completely resolved within four weeks of twice-daily treatment. We attribute the clearance of her skin tumor to the cannabidiol; however, there has been no study performed evaluating the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with topical emu oil.
Topical cannabinoids can be associated with cutaneous adverse events, such as allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria (Table 8) [10-16]. A study of dispensaries in Los Angeles, California, discovered that 84% of over-the-counter topical cannabinoids had one or more North American contact dermatitis group (NACDG) allergens [17]. In addition, with regard to molecular pathogenesis, in vitro studies have shown that cannabinoid receptor 2 not only modulates the maturation of dendritic cells, but also that haptenized dendritic cells have the potential to induce contact hypersensitivity responses in mice [13].
Rare complications of chronic cannabis use have also been observed. These include erythema ab igne triggered by excessive heat among patients with concurrent cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. They also include cannabis arteritis, which presents as a severe peripheral vascular disease characterized by necrosis and ulceration of the limbs [16,18].
Oral cannabidiol and marijuana ingestion can, albeit uncommonly, cause acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. This is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction that manifests as rapidly evolving pustules within 48 hours of the drug exposure [11]. In addition, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening complication, has been observed with ingestion of hempseed (C. sativa) [18].
Cannabis abuse can also have an immunosuppressive effect in patients with certain predisposing skin diseases and has been postulated to result in the reactivation of latent viruses such as the herpes simplex virus. A 22-year-old man with a history of cannabis abuse and Darier disease subsequently developed eczema herpeticum, which presented as a disseminated mucocutaneous eruption involving the oral mucosa, face, trunk, and groin. His viral infection gradually improved after receiving intravenous acyclovir (at a dose of 5 mg/kg three times a day) and parenteral nutrition [15].
Synthetic cannabinoid intoxication can present with psychiatric symptoms including agitation, anxiety, avoidant eye contact, delusions, paranoia, psychosis, and even suicidal ideation and violent behavior. Cannabis use has also been reported to exacerbate symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. However, it is difficult to differentiate whether these symptoms are related to cannabis use or the underlying psychiatric illness [18,19].
Cannabinoids are a class of drugs that are found in animals, humans, and plants; they are also synthesized. They are useful in the management of several systemic diseases. Indeed, cannabinoids have also been observed to be potentially effective in the treatment of cosmetic skin conditions and cutaneous diseases. In addition, they may be therapeutic in the management of not only non-melanoma skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, but also melanoma and Kaposi sarcoma. Our patient had successful treatment of a benign skin condition (lichen simplex chronicus); in addition, she had complete regression of several biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinomas. Therefore, the possibility of treating non-melanoma skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, with topical cannabinoids may warrant further investigation.
Medicine, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, USA
Dermatology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA
Dermatology, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, USA
Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: Philip R. Cohen, MD declare(s) personal fees from ParaPRO. Dr. Cohen is a consultant for ParaPRO. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
Laborada J, Cohen P R (April 05, 2022) Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Lichen Simplex Chronicus Successfully Treated with Topical Cannabinoid Oil: A Case Report and Summary of Cannabinoids in Dermatology. Cureus 14(4): e23850. doi:10.7759/cureus.23850
Peer review began: March 20, 2022 Peer review concluded: March 23, 2022 Published: April 05, 2022
© Copyright 2022 Laborada et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0., which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Distant (a) and closer (b) views of a red scaly plaque (black oval) on the left dorsal hand proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the second digit. Skin biopsy established a diagnosis of lichen simplex chronicus, which completely resolved within four weeks after starting twice-daily topical treatment with 20% cannabinoid oil.
The list of ingredients (a) for a cannabinoid product containing 20 mg of cannabidiol in emu oil (EMU 420 essential) (b). The directions for topical application are also provided (c).
Distant (a) and closer (b) views of an erythematous patch (black oval) with a small focus of scale (black arrow) on the lateral right dorsal hand representing the treated site of a biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma that completely resolved with twice daily application of CBD oil for four weeks. A subungual hemorrhage is also present on the right middle finger (red arrow).
aThese are cognate compounds and not true endocannabinoids, as they do not bind to cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2.
CB, cannabinoid receptor; CNS, central nervous system.
aAvailable forms of topical application include balms, bath bombs, creams, lip balms, lotions, oils, ointments, salves, soaps, sticks/roll-ons, and transdermal delivery.
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