J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1998 Aug;25(6):1115-1120.

A clinical analysis of the marjolin's ulcer

• Choi DI
• Kim DH
• Lee JW
• Jang YC
• Kim DC

Abstract

Marjolin's ulcer is a malignant degeneration of cicatrical tissue, especially in chronic burn scar. Since the first description by Jean Nicholas Marjolin(1828), many studies for Marjolin's ulcer have been performed and reported. From 1985 to 1997, we experienced 20 cases in 14 patients diagnosed as Marjolin's ulcer clinically, and we analysed malignant transformation rate, induction period of Marjolin's ulcer and prevention of Marjolin's ulcer, etc. The results are summarized as follows. 1) The sex distribution was predominant in male(64.3%). 2) The most common cause of injury was flame burn(78.6%). 3) The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 45.6 years and the average lag period was 20.6 years. 4) The pathologic types of Marjolin's ulcer were squamous cell carcinoma(57.2%), followed by dyspasia(28.6%), acnthosis and hyperkeratosis(14.2%). 5) The locations of ulcers were frequently on the lower extremity(42.9%), followed by upper extremity(35.7%) and trunk (21.4%). 6) The lymph node involvements were 3 patients out of the 8 patients who were confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma. 7) The modalities of treatment were skin graft (18 cases, 12 patients), myocutaneous flap(1 case, 1 patient), fasciocutaneous flap(1 case, 1 patient).

MeSH Terms

Burns
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Cicatrix
Diagnosis
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Sex Distribution
Skin
Transplants
Ulcer*