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Decades Later, Burn Scars Can Become Aggressive Skin Cancer
9 May
Summary
- Marjolin's ulcer is a rare skin cancer developing in chronic burn scars.
- It often arises from deep burns on feet and scalp, with long latency periods.
- Early detection is key for curability, with survival rates dropping significantly later.
A rare and aggressive form of skin cancer, known as Marjolin's ulcer, can develop within chronic burn scars over many years. This malignancy, typically squamous cell carcinoma, emerges from persistent inflammation in scar tissue that leads to DNA damage and mutations. Deep burns, particularly on the feet and scalp, carry a higher risk due to compromised skin properties and repeated injury.
The latency period for Marjolin's ulcer is highly variable, often appearing 30-35 years after the initial burn, though it can manifest as early as six weeks or extend over 50 years. Early warning signs may be mistaken for scar irritation, including non-healing sores, new lumps, increased pain, or changes in scar color.
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, as early-stage cancers can be surgically removed. Survival rates decrease sharply with delayed diagnosis. Prevention involves prompt skin grafting for deep wounds and protecting old scars from further damage and UV exposure. While most old scars remain benign, persistent irritation warrants medical attention.
