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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Malignant melanoma in a burn scar
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Malignant melanoma is rare in burn scars. This case report details an 87-year-old patient with melanoma in situ arising from a lightning strike burn scar, treated successfully with wide reexcision.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Burn Scar Research
Background:
- Cancers can develop in chronic burn scars, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma.
- Malignant melanoma is an exceedingly rare finding in burn scar tissue.
Observation:
- An 87-year-old patient presented with a lesion on a burn scar from a lightning strike sustained at age 16.
- The lesion, located over the suprasternal notch, was biopsied and initially reported as malignant melanoma.
Findings:
- Wide reexcision with Z-plasty for neck release was performed.
- The reexcision specimen revealed melanoma in situ, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and inflammatory changes.
- Clear margins were achieved, and lymph node dissection was omitted due to patient age and risk.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rare occurrence of melanoma in burn scars.
- It underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and biopsy of suspicious lesions in chronic burn sites.
- Successful management with wide local excision is demonstrated for these rare presentations.
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