DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i06.042

Pages: 1472-1474

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the scalp accounts for approximately 2% of all skin cancers, with an average age at diagnosis of 64.8 years. The main precancerous skin lesions include actinic keratoses, burn scars, and trauma. SCC can present as an ulcerative-proliferative or superficial lesion. It progresses either through local extension or hematogenous spread. Therapeutic management involves complete tumor excision with margins of at least 6 mm, and in some cases, lymph node dissection may be necessary. Radiotherapy is reserved for extensive forms of the disease. Prevention mainly relies on avoiding carcinogenic agents and treating precancerous lesions. We report the case of a 31-year-old female patient with no known medical or surgical history, who had a history of scalp burn at the age of four. She was referred to us for a scalp tumor that had been evolving for eight months. Clinical examination revealed an ulcerative-proliferative tumor on a burn scar located in the left parieto-temporal region. The lesion was painful, foul-smelling, and exhibited occasional bleeding. A biopsy of the tumor was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. We opted for surgical excision followed by guided wound healing. A follow-up plan was established. This rare case in the literature highlights the importance of protecting burn injuries from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and microtrauma to prevent further complications. Burned skin is more fragile and sensitive to UV rays, making it crucial to cover it or apply appropriate sunscreen. Annual dermatological follow-up is recommended to monitor scar evolution and prevent potential complications.