title: Marjolin's ulcer in patients with spinal cord injury.
abstract: 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).
authors.affiliation: Spinal Cord Injury Center, VA Medical Center, Irvine, California, USA. eltoraihb@webtv.net
authors.forename: Ibrahim M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Eltorai
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Montroy
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jakowatz
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guttierez
mesh_terms: 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