Foreign body reaction to the stinger of mandi (Pimelodus maculatus) simulating squamous cell carcinoma

Fish-related injuries (ichthyism) are common among fishermen. The mandi catfish (Pimelodus maculatus) is a freshwater species that uses, as a defense mechanism, the insertion of spines equipped with venom glands, characterizing an active venomous ichthyism. In a series of 200 ichthyism cases recorded in rivers and lakes across Brazil, approximately 40% were caused by mandi catfish and other catfish species. We report the case of a patient with a "nonhealing wound" on the left leg for 5 months following local trauma. The initial diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was later revised to a foreign body reaction caused by the spine of the mandi catfish.

Keywords: Foreign-Body Reaction; Wounds and Injuries; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Fishes, Poisonous.