Marjolin's ulcer in patients with spinal cord injury.
BACKGROUND
The term "Marjolin's ulcer" is now synonymous with malignant transformation, usually ectodermal and rarely mesenchymal, of chronic ulcers, sinus tracts, and burn scars.


METHODS
Literature search and personal experience with 5 patients during a 30-year period in a spinal cord injury center.


RESULTS
Five cases of Marjolin's ulcer diagnosed among approximately 10,000 patients indicate the rarity of the metaplasia. All cases were fatal.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic pressure ulcers of more than 10 years' duration should be biopsied to rule out malignancy, especially with any change in the nature of the ulcer (eg, exuberant granulation and/or bleeding).
Eltorai
Ibrahim M
IM
Spinal Cord Injury Center, VA Medical Center, Irvine, California, USA. eltoraihb@webtv.net
Montroy
Robert E
RE
Kobayashi
Mark
M
Jakowatz
James
J
Guttierez
Paul
P
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology