Marjolin's ulcer of the scalp: report of 5 cases and review of the literature.

The formation of neoplastic changes in the scar tissue of chronically ulcerating wounds is a well-known process. This condition is most commonly seen after the postburn scars, but it may be seen after many kinds of scars. The term "Marjolin's ulcer" is used to describe this type of carcinoma. Although many different cell types can be seen in these lesions, the most commonly seen is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas resulting from the Marjolin's ulcer have a much greater tendency to metastasize than squamous cell carcinomas resulting from the other causes. Confusion continues about the precise pathophysiology of this lesion and the clinical behavior of this neoplasm, and the mortality and morbidity rates are also conflicting. As would be expected, there is a wide variety of suggested treatment protocols for this disease. This article, through case reports and review of the literature, offers criteria for the treatment of the Marjolin's ulcers that arise on the scalp, which is an uncommon site.