New onset squamous cell carcinoma in previous split-thickness skin graft donor site.

INTRODUCTION: Marjolin' s ulcer, an aggressive ulcerating squamous cell carcinoma, is a well-known phenomenon that occurs in chronically inflamed or scarred tissue; however, squamous cell carcinoma arising in the acute setting after tissue trauma - specifically autograft donor harvest sites for burns - is a rare, but notable event.

METHODS: This case series describes three instances of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in split-thickness skin graft donor sites in the immediate post-operative period. Charts were reviewed in detail after at least 9 months follow-up from identification of the tumor. Detailed descriptions of each case are included. A discussion of the literature on this rare entity is included as well.

RESULTS: In the three cases discussed, all were characterized clinically as painful masses arising in a recently healed donor site. Two were managed surgically with adherence to oncologic principals. One lesion regressed or fell off spontaneously. With at least 9 months follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS: Very few cases of acute neoplasm in donor sites have been described in the literature. Presently, there is no dominant theory as to how these lesions arise; however, this is an entity that burn care providers, world wide should be aware of, with a low threshold for oncologic evaluation if suspected.