ABSTRACT

Introduction: Marjolin's ulcer is defined as a malignancy within scars that is usually chronic and results from several lesion types, with burn injuries being the most common. Methods: A bibliographic survey was conducted of the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Cochrane databases using the inclusion criteria of studies published in the last 5 years, human studies, and published in English or Portuguese. Results: A total of 31 studies were analyzed, of which only 6 were included in the final sample. Discussion: Marjolin's ulcer is found in old burn scars and can occur anywhere, but it is more common in the upper and lower limbs. The diagnosis begins with the clinical suspicion based on lesion characteristics: chronic unhealed ulcerative lesions with high and hardened edges, an unpleasant odor, and purulent discharge. However, the diagnosis can only be made histopathologically. The latency period between injury and malignancy is 30-35 years. Although treatment should be individualized since it depends on several factors, surgical excision is considered the gold standard. Conclusion: Knowledge about this condition is essential to better patient prognosis and prevent underestimation of possible cases of malignancy, allowing for appropriate therapy to minimize recurrence and enabling prophylactic measures to prevent burn injury and reduce risk factors for malignancy.

Keywords: Burns; Skin ulcer; Carcinoma; Healing; Plastic surgery

RESUMO

Introduction: Marjolin's ulcer is defined as a malignancy within scars that is usually chronic and results from several lesion types, with burn injuries being the most common. Methods: A bibliographic survey was conducted of the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Cochrane databases using the inclusion criteria of studies published in the last 5 years, human studies, and published in English or Portuguese.
Results: A total of 31 studies were analyzed, of which only 6 were included in the final sample.
Discussion: Marjolin's ulcer is found in old burn scars and can occur anywhere, but it is more common in the upper and lower limbs. The diagnosis begins with the clinical suspicion based on lesion characteristics: chronic unhealed ulcerative lesions with high and hardened edges, an unpleasant odor, and purulent discharge. However, the diagnosis can only be made histopathologically. The latency period between injury and malignancy is 30-35 years. Although treatment should be individualized since it depends on several factors, surgical excision is considered the gold standard.
Conclusion: Knowledge about this condition is essential to better patient prognosis and prevent underestimation of possible cases of malignancy, allowing for appropriate therapy to minimize recurrence and enabling prophylactic measures to prevent burn injury and reduce risk factors for malignancy.

Palavras-chave: Queimaduras; Úlcera cutânea; Carcinoma; Cicatrização; Cirurgia plástica