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Marjolin’s Ulcer

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Uncommon Ulcers of the Extremities

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Abstract

Marjolin’s ulcer is the term used for malignancy occurring in a scar or chronic non-healing ulcer. Such a warty lesion with multiple villous projections was first described in 1828 by Jean-Nicholas Marjolin (without realizing its malignant nature) but received its name after almost 75 years from Da Costa in 1903 (Tian et al., World Acad Sci J 2021;3(5):1–6). Histologically most often it is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The etiopathology of Marjolin’s ulcer is still not definitely clear. It is proposed that chronic inflammatory changes leading to mutation and immune isolation of the affected area form the basis of development of this malignant transformation. The latent period between initial injury and first appearance of ulcer can be variable but it is often prolonged. The treatment protocol has not yet been standardized. Its occurrence is not very common but it may prove to be fatal. Hence preventive measures and high level of suspicion with early diagnosis are important strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LTMMC and LTMGH, Consultant Surgeon, Dr. Gores’ Clinic, Mumbai, India

    Madhuri Gore

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  1. Madhuri Gore
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

    Ajay K. Khanna

  2. Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of General Surgery, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

    Satyendra Kumar Tiwary

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Gore, M. (2023). Marjolin’s Ulcer. In: Khanna, A.K., Tiwary, S.K. (eds) Uncommon Ulcers of the Extremities. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1782-2_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1782-2_22

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