Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developing on Burn Scar

Abstract

It is estimated that 2% of burn scars undergo malignant transformation. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of cancer that develops. We report a retrospective study, which consists of 510 patients who have 570 cases of tumors of SCC. We examined SCCs developing on burn scars retrospectively among 570 cases, and we found that 36 cases had SCC developing on burn scars. The records of those 36 cases were analyzed in terms of age, sex, latent period between burn and carcinoma, anatomic localization of the carcinoma, and the presence of metastases. These findings were compared with the SCC group that did not have burn history. The number of SCC developing on burn scars among the 570 cases was 36 (6.31%), 15 of which were women (41.66%) and 21 were men (58.33%). The average age was 46.77 years. The average latent period between burn and the development of carcinoma was found to be 32.22 years. It should be mentioned that the burn scar carcinoma group was younger. In addition, burn scar carcinoma was more likely to localize on lower extremities and metastasize (P<0.001). Having high aggressive features, the suspicion of development of SCC in burn scar should be kept in mind, so patients with burn scar must be followed periodically.