[Scar carcinoma as a late complication after burns]

Carcinomas, mainly of the squamous cell type, may occur in burn scars from 3 months to 75 years after the burn injury, and they have a poor prognosis. Therefore, unstable scars, chronic ulcers and tumors must be subjected to histological examination as soon as possible. If a malignant tumor is present, the therapy of choice is wide local excision, though in the event of progressive tumor development an ablative procedure may be necessary. Early radical surgery is important. Unstable scars should be investigated to allow prophylactic surgery to be performed if appropriate [4]. Early mobilization of the (mostly elderly) patients is important. Three case reports of patients with burn scar carcinoma are presented.