Marjolin's ulcer in an amputation stump

Marjolin's ulcers are uncommon malignancies arising from previously traumatized, chronically inflamed or scarred skin. They are usually squamous cell carcinomas and arise most often after burns, and they may present decades after the original insult. Metastases are observed more often than in other cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Marjolin's ulcers may occur on stumps in patients using prostheses, in this situation the diagnosis may be delayed because of the false assumption that the ulcer is caused by an ill fitting prosthesis. A case of Marjolin's ulcer is presented occurring on a lower limb stump 68 years following from a burn in infancy. The cause, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Marjolin's ulcer are discussed. (J Burn Care Res 2008;29:1001-1003)