Marjolin's Ulcer in Laron Syndrome - an Unexpected Combination: A Case Report

Marjolin's ulcer is an atypical malignancy that develops from deep scars of chronically traumatised skin. Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare autosomal recessive growth retardation from a mutation in the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene leading to defective GHR, growth hormone insensitivity and eventual low levels of insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1). Affected individuals present with proportionate dwarfism and other characteristic physical defects, but at the same time are conferred protection against cancer due to low serum levels of IGF-1. We report an exceptional case of Marjolin's ulcer in the foot of a female LS patient 30 years after she sustained flame burns as a 6-month-old baby. Three months before coming to us, she had a 2x3cm ulcer that turned into a rapidly enlarging fungating mass involving the leg, ankle, and foot. Histopathologic analysis of an incision biopsy showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The extent of her lesion precluded wide excision. Below knee amputation was done. A second biopsy confirmed the histopathologic diagnosis. This is the first reported case in the literature of Marjolin's ulcer in LS which raises the possibility that IGF-1 deficiency does not completely protect against squamous cell cancer.