Marjolin's ulcer: A challenging complication of non-healing wounds

Abstract

Marjolin's ulcer is an uncommon malignant condition related to non-healing wounds, more often of burn injuries. Our aim is increase the suspicion index of primary care workers about the risk of squamous cell carcinoma in skin chronic ulcers or scar tissue, mainly in extremities. We report a Marjolin's ulcer associated with traumatic chronic ulcer in the leg of a 73-year-old white female. Histological diagnosis was poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor evolved unsuspected on the border of the ulcer in a region of venous insufficiency and lymph edema. In the majority of cases, Marjolin's ulcer represents a highly aggressive squamous cell carcinoma. Adequate managing of risk factors constitutes the best tool for prevention of this malignancy, diagnosis is challenging, and it can be overlooked or under reported. As late diagnosis favors poor outcome, even single case reports might enhance the suspicion of primary care workers about this preventable condition.