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Tanzania Journal of Health Research
Health User's Trust Fund (HRUTF)
ISSN: 1821-6404
Vol. 14, No. 4, 2012, pp. 1-7
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Bioline Code: th12035
Full paper language: English
Document type: Case Report
Document available free of charge
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Tanzania Journal of Health Research, Vol. 14, No. 4, 2012, pp. 1-7
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Early Marjolin’s ulcer developing in a penile human bite scar of an adult patient presenting at Bugando Medical Centre, Tanzania: A case report
CHALYA, PHILLIPO L.; MABULA, JOSEPH B.; GILYOMA, JAPHET M.; RAMBAU, PETER; MASALU, NESTORY & SIMBILA, SAMSON
Abstract
Marjolin’s ulcer is a rare but well documented cutaneous malignancy that arises in a scar or
chronic ulcer, and is characterized by an aggressive course. The latent period from the injury to the
appearance of cancer has been reported to be 25-40 years. Early occurring Marjolin’s ulcer has rarely been
described in the literature and its development in a penile human bite scar is still rare. We report a rare
case of a 33 year-old patient who presented with an early appearance of Marjolin’s ulcer developing in a
penile human bite scar. On histological examination it was found to be poorly differentiated squamous
cell carcinoma. He was managed by total penile amputation. Five months after surgery, the patient
presented to our surgical outpatient clinic with inguinal lymph node metastases and distant metastases to
the lung, liver and bones. However, the patient died shortly after admission. This report highlights the
possibility of early appearance of Marjolin’s ulcer arising from a chronic ulcer or healed scar in an
unusual sites such as the penis. It is therefore recommended that all chronic ulcers should be thoroughly
investigated at presentation, to avoid labelling malignancies ‘chronic ulcers’, leading to delay in
appropriate treatment. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of Marjolin's ulcers and close followup
are urgently needed to improve outcomes in our environment.
Keywords
Marjolin’s ulcer; malignant transformation; penis; penis; Tanzania
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© Tanzania Journal of Health Research
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