Melanoma arising on a scar 10 years after a burn: management and review of the literature

Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Jul;69(1):27-9. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e318250f084.

Abstract

We report a case of a melanoma arising after about 10 years after a burn injury. This is an uncommon example of a carcinogenetic event that could be prevented or diagnosed early. Usually, the mutagenic event clinically appears many years after the burn especially if it was not treated correctly with a careful surgical approach. The average time of latency could be found in literature as 46.5 years from the burn, whereas our case was only 10. A frequent and very long follow-up of the burn scars could represent a valid prophylactic option to avoid neoplastic proliferation if the tumor appears.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Burns / complications*
  • Cicatrix / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology