Is surgery an effective and adequate treatment in advanced Marjolin's ulcer?

Abstract

Malignancies in scars are generally known as Marjolin's ulcers. Between 1999 and 2004, 15 patients with Marjolin's ulcer were treated in our clinic. All lesions were secondary to burns of various causes. We perform a combined approach and aggressive surgery for treatment of Marjolin's ulcer; excision with safe margin, lymphatic dissection, postoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy and amputation if needed. We think that the scar tissue acts as a barrier for the tumors, which will enlarge. We believe that, if we release this barrier like scar tissue, the virulent the spread of the tumor will be permitted. In this article, we consider whether or not surgical excision alone as recommended in the treatment of Marjolin's ulcers is adequate and effective. An aggressive combined approach is essential for treatment in early stages with high success rate. But there is no consensus for the treatment of advanced disease and results are generally unsuccessful.