Skin tumours: Marjolin ulcer: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Skin tumours: Marjolin ulcer

Sample item

A non-healing, everted-edge ulcer develops in a 30-year-old burn scar on the leg. Which malignancy is it most likely to be?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Squamous cell carcinoma

A Marjolin ulcer is a squamous cell carcinoma arising in chronic scars, burns or sinuses. It tends to be aggressive and can metastasise to regional nodes.

Option by option

  • A. Malignant melanoma

    Melanoma arises from melanocytes and is pigmented.

  • B. Squamous cell carcinoma (correct)

    Correct. Chronic scars transform into squamous cell carcinoma.

  • C. Basal cell carcinoma

    BCC arises on sun-exposed hair-bearing skin and rarely in scars.

  • D. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

    DFSP presents as an indurated plaque, not an ulcer in a burn scar.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Squamous cell carcinoma. A Marjolin ulcer is a squamous cell carcinoma arising in chronic scars, burns or sinuses.

Why is "Malignant melanoma" not the answer?

Melanoma arises from melanocytes and is pigmented.

Why is "Basal cell carcinoma" not the answer?

BCC arises on sun-exposed hair-bearing skin and rarely in scars.

Why is "Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans" not the answer?

DFSP presents as an indurated plaque, not an ulcer in a burn scar.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: Marjolin ulcer in Dermatology. It tends to be aggressive and can metastasise to regional nodes.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Skin tumours: Marjolin ulcer?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.