Marjolin’s ulcer arising from cutaneous lichen planus

Abstract

The association between cutaneous lichen planus and Squamous cell carcinoma has been controversial. The rarity of documented cases, has led some to suggest that it may represent a chance association. Whilst there have been many reports of Marjolin’s ulcer arising from oral lichen planus, reports of Squamous cell carcinoma arising from or associated with cutaneous lichen planus in the literature remains sparse. The aim of this review is to report the case of a patient with a lesion previously diagnosed as cutaneous lichen planus, who developed Marjolin’s ulcer in the same location, in the absence of known exposure to exogenous carcinogens. The development of Marjolin’s ulcer from cutaneous lichen planus is not as rare as previously believed although the pathogenic mechanism for the transformation remains largely unknown.

Keywords: Cutaneous lichen planus, Marjolin’s ulcer, Squamous cell carcinoma