The Open Surgical Oncology Journal

2010, 2 : 83-85
Published online 2010 November 01. DOI: 10.2174/1876504101002010083
Publisher ID: TOSOJ-2-83

Two Different Cases of Marjolin’s Ulcer and Recommendations for Practice

Wojciech M. Wysocki , Andrzej L. Komorowski , Tomasz Wojewoda , Joanna Wysocka and Jerzy Mitu
Federal State Institution “Medical Radiological Research Center” of the Russian Ministry of Health and Social Development, Koroliova Street 4, 249036 Obninsk, Russia

ABSTRACT

Marjolin's ulcer is a malignant tumor developing in the chronic skin lesion (e.g. burn scar, vaccination scar, non-healing wound). We report two histological different cases: ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma growing in the burn scar and basal cell carcinoma arising in the vaccination scar. We present clinically-oriented literature review and management recommendations. In general all non-healing chronic wounds should be surgically closed and large open wounds must not be left for secondary intention healing to prevent delayed malignant transformation. All burn scars should be monitored by appropriately informed patient and family physician. All suspected masses within chronic wounds/burn scars should be promptly biopsied. If Marjolin's ulcer diagnosis is established, wide local excision comprising fascia should be performed as well as careful clinical assessment of regional lymph nodes.

Keywords:

Marjolin’s ulcer, malignant, skin lesion, carcinoma, lymph nodes..