SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Long-Latent Lesion: Unraveling the Mystery of Marjolin Ulcers

Pdf Summary

Marjolin ulcers are rare but aggressive cancers that develop in chronically inflamed or scarred skin, most often as squamous cell carcinoma. They typically arise after a long latency period, often 25–35 years, in settings such as chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, burn scars, venous stasis ulcers, or chronic osteomyelitis.<br /><br />Key clinical warning signs include a chronic wound that develops new ulceration, nodular or exophytic growth, bleeding, persistent pain, or rapid enlargement. These changes should raise concern for malignant transformation.<br /><br />Compared with typical cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Marjolin ulcers behave more aggressively and have higher rates of regional and distant metastasis, leading to a poorer prognosis. The provided figure references a representative chronic lower-extremity ulcer with histopathology consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. The document also notes metastatic spread suggested by findings such as lung lesions, bone lesions, liver lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, and splenomegaly.<br /><br />Overall, the main takeaway is that any chronic wound that changes character should be evaluated promptly for possible malignancy, as early recognition is important given the tumor’s aggressive nature.

Asset Subtitle

Ari M. Fish

Meta Tag

Author List Anne S. Linker, Ari M. Fish, Aveena Kochar

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Marjolin Ulcer

Concept Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Concept Malignant Transformation

Concept Chronically Inflamed Skin

Concept Scarred Skin

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Presenting Author Ari M. Fish

Track Adult

Keywords

Marjolin ulcer

squamous cell carcinoma

chronic wound

malignant transformation

burn scar

pressure ulcer

venous stasis ulcer

osteomyelitis

metastasis

histopathology

Marjolin Ulcer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Malignant Transformation

Chronically Inflamed Skin

Scarred Skin