# Retroauricular squamous cell carcinoma developing on a burn scar: Marjolin's ulcer a case report and review of the literature

## TL;DR

A rare skin cancer called Marjolin's ulcer developed in a burn scar after 40 years, highlighting the need for vigilance in chronic wound care.

## Contribution

A case report and literature review highlighting clinical features, treatment options, and diagnostic challenges of Marjolin's ulcer.

## Key findings

- Marjolin's ulcer is a rare, aggressive malignancy that can arise decades after skin injury.
- Histopathological examination is essential for diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention is the primary treatment, though management remains non-consensual.

## Abstract

Marjolin's ulcer is a cutaneous malignancy that arises in the setting of previously injured skin. The predominant histological type remains squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this article was to discuss, through our case, clinical and anatomopathological features of Marjolin's ulcer as well as its treatment options and prognosis. Our case is accompanied by a comprehensive review of the literature.

We report a case of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma that developed after fourty years of a burn. A histopathological examination of the ulcer concluded that it is a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent surgical excision of the tumor with latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction and lymph node dissection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. After six months, a flap weaning was carried out with good functional progress. Our work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria.

Marjolin's ulcer has a relatively low incidence and often occurs as a rare complication of chronic wounds, burn scars, or other types of tissue damage. It should be suspected in the presence of delayed healing of a wound that becomes exuding and malodorous. To date there is no consensus on the therapeutic management of Marjolin's ulcer. According to data literature, surgical intervention stands as the primary therapeutic modality.

Marjolin's ulcer is a rare but aggressive malignancy that can arise decades after skin injury, as illustrated by our case. The delayed onset and potential for late diagnosis emphasize the need for vigilance in chronic wound follow-up.

•Marjolin's ulcer (MU) is a cutaneous malignancy that arises in the setting of previously injured skin•Marjolin's ulcer should be suspected in the presence of delayed healing of a wound that becomes exuding and malodorous•the diagnosis remains histological•management is not consensual : surgery, radiotherapy, Chemotherapy•The prognosis is poor with high risk of recurrences.

Marjolin's ulcer (MU) is a cutaneous malignancy that arises in the setting of previously injured skin

Marjolin's ulcer should be suspected in the presence of delayed healing of a wound that becomes exuding and malodorous

the diagnosis remains histological

management is not consensual : surgery, radiotherapy, Chemotherapy

The prognosis is poor with high risk of recurrences.