Objective:
Marjolin's Ulcer (MU) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm arising in cikatrical tissue. Due to its typical clinical presentation as a non-healing lesion in scar tissue, the diagnosis can be delayed and even overlooked.
Methods and results:
We present the case of an elderly woman who developed an ulcerated, exophytic lesion in a split thickness skin graft (STSG) on the lateral aspect of the left knee. Histology showed a radically excised highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with keratine pearls and a component of basocellular carcinoma (BCC). The histological picture combined with the location and long time interval since the primary surgery made the diagnosis of MU highly likely.
Discussion:
Considering the risk of metastasis and mortality it is important to recognize the diagnosis and initiate adequate treatment.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of MU is clinical and confirmed by pathology. The typical long delay from the primary lesion to the malignant transformation might occlude the diagnosis. As such, a thorough anamnesis is essential in a non- healing ulcerated lesion in a cikatrical area to adequately diagnose and treat the condition.