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Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Published on: February 16, 2024
Marjolin's ulcer: a rare entity with a call for early diagnosis
Fahad Mujtaba Iqbal1, Yashashwi Sinha2, Wayne Jaffe3
1Department of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle under Lyme, UK.
Abstract:
Marjolin's ulcer (MU) is an umbrella term covering squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma that develop in chronic wounds, sinuses or scars. Cutaneous (non-MU) SCC is related to excessive sun-exposure, with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II being more susceptible. Radiation, genetic disorders (eg, Xeroderma pigmentosum) and immunosuppression, are other important risk factors often involved in the development of cutaneous malignancies and may also be involved in the development of MU. MU, first described by Jean-Nicholas Marjolin in 1828, is more aggressive than non-MU SCC, with a higher potential for early metastasis. A high index of suspicion and early histological diagnosis in chronic wounds and unstable scars with recent changes in characteristics offer the best prognosis with treatment. We present a case alongside a literature review contrasting the characteristics of MU and non-MU SCC, and suggest a management plan for early MU identification and prevention.
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