Malignant transformation of a long-term ulcer in a patient with leprosy sequelae: a case report

TL;DR

A patient with leprosy sequelae developed a malignant skin tumor in a long-standing ulcer, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment.

Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of Marjolin’s ulcer progression in leprosy sequelae and emphasizes early diagnosis.

Findings

A patient with leprosy sequelae developed a malignant transformation in a chronic ulcer.

Diagnosis was confirmed via incisional biopsy and the patient was referred to oncology.

Surgical excision is recommended as the first treatment option for Marjolin’s ulcer.

Abstract

Marjolin’s ulcer (MU) is a rare condition defined as a malignant skin tumor arising from chronic wounds and inflammation. The most common histological findings in MUs are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (or spinocellular carcinomas [SPC]), such as basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and malignant melanomas (MM). The aim of this study is to report the case of a patient with sequelae of leprosy who presented malignant transformation in a long-standing ulcer on the right leg, thereby contributing to understanding of the progression and significance of early diagnosis of MU. The MU was diagnosed by incisional biopsy of the lesion and upon obtaining a positive result the patient was referred to an oncology service. Treatment of MU is multidisciplinary and surgical excision is the first therapeutic option. Proper management and surveillance of chronic ulcers by the healthcare team are necessary for early recognition of MU.

A úlcera de Marjolin (UM) é uma condição rara definida como um tumor maligno na pele decorrente de feridas crônicas e inflamação. Os achados histológicos mais comuns nas UMs são os carcinomas de células escamosas (CCE) ou carcinomas espinocelulares (CEC), como carcinomas basocelulares (CBC) e melanomas malignos (MM). O objetivo deste estudo é relatar o caso de um paciente com sequela de hanseníase que apresentou malignização de sua úlcera em perna direita de longa duração e, a partir disso, compreender a progressão e a importância do diagnóstico precoce da UM. O diagnóstico da UM foi realizado mediante biópsia incisional da lesão e, após obtido o resultado positivo, o paciente foi encaminhado a um serviço de Oncologia. O tratamento da UM é multidisciplinar, sendo a abordagem cirúrgica a primeira opção terapêutica. O manejo adequado e a vigilância de úlceras crônicas pela equipe de saúde tornam-se necessários para o reconhecimento precoce da UM.

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