Melanoma Marjolin’s ulcer in the hand: A case report

Abstract

Highlights Marjolin’s ulcer is usually misdiagnosed. Some theories try to explain the mechanisms of malignant degeneration. Melanoma is rare and aggressive and, once suspected, a biopsy must be done. Deep second and third degree burns must be debrided and covered by a skin graft. Early diagnosis, treatment and vigilance are the keys to success and survival.

Amelanotic nodular melanoma in Marjolin ulcer on the plantar region

“…Marjolin ulcer is a rare and aggressive tumor, occurs mainly in the fifth decade of life, and is prevalent in the male sex. 1 It arises over scar tissue, particularly after burns, occurring in 0.7% to 2% of these lesions. 1 , 2 , 3 Clinically, the lesions arise over previous scarring, as a non-healing, ulcerated or hardened, rapidly growing lesion that may become exophytic and bleeding.…”

“… 1 It arises over scar tissue, particularly after burns, occurring in 0.7% to 2% of these lesions. 1 , 2 , 3 Clinically, the lesions arise over previous scarring, as a non-healing, ulcerated or hardened, rapidly growing lesion that may become exophytic and bleeding. The most frequent histopathological type of neoplasia arising in Marjolin ulcers is squamous cell carcinoma (80%–90%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (9.6%) and, rarely, melanoma (2.4%).…”

“…The most frequent histopathological type of neoplasia arising in Marjolin ulcers is squamous cell carcinoma (80%–90%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (9.6%) and, rarely, melanoma (2.4%). 1 , 2 , 3 The low incidence of melanoma in these scars can be explained by the small number of melanocytes in the scar tissue. 1 …”

“… 1 , 2 , 3 The low incidence of melanoma in these scars can be explained by the small number of melanocytes in the scar tissue. 1 …”

“…The therapeutic options depend on TNM staging, including excision surgery with wide margins or limb amputation, in addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 1 …”