Objective:
Malignant transformation of chronic non-healing wounds is often overlooked. If a chronic wound fails to heal, or if there are changes in the characteristics of a wound, a biopsy should be performed.
Methods:
This case is presented in line with SCARE guidelines.
Presentation of case:
We present a case of a man with a non-healing traumatic wound over two years in which a basal cell carcinoma was diagnosed by biopsy. The basal cell carcinoma was radically excised and the defect was closed using a split thickness skin transplant.
Discussion:
The term Marjolin's ulcer, pathophysiology and recommended treatment.
Conclusion:
Delayed diagnosis of malignancy in chronic wounds can lead to a worsened prognosis and therefore it is important to exclude a malignant aetiology. Malignant transformation of chronic wounds is not common but Marjolin's ulcer should be considered.