Marjolin's ulcer

Marjolin's ulcer is a type of skin cancer that develops in areas of the skin that have been previously damaged or scarred. It is named after the French surgeon Jean-Nicolas Marjolin, who first described the condition in the 19th century.

History[edit | edit source]

The condition was first described by Jean-Nicolas Marjolin in the 19th century. Marjolin was a French surgeon who noticed that some patients developed cancer in areas of the skin that had been previously damaged or scarred.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Marjolin's ulcer is caused by the transformation of a long-standing wound, burn scar, or other chronic skin condition into a malignant (cancerous) lesion. This process is known as malignant transformation.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Marjolin's ulcer can vary, but often include a non-healing wound or ulcer, pain, bleeding, and sometimes a foul-smelling discharge. The ulcer may also increase in size over time.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of Marjolin's ulcer is usually made by a biopsy of the affected skin. This involves removing a small sample of tissue and examining it under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for Marjolin's ulcer typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for Marjolin's ulcer depends on a number of factors, including the size and location of the ulcer, the type of cancer, and the patient's overall health.

See also[edit | edit source]

Marjolin's ulcer Resources
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