Basal cell carcinoma from a malignant melanoma scar

Many individuals with localized melanoma undergo wide local excision and live many years with the surgical scar. The present case describes a basal cell carcinoma arising from a malignant melanoma excision scar. There are no similar reports in the literature. A 69-year-old female with a 25-year remote history of localized melanoma treated with wide local excision presents with two new lesions overlying the scar. The lesions were confirmed to be a basal cell carcinoma and dysplastic nevi on punch biopsy. Complete scar excision is performed. This report warns of the possibility of secondary primary malignancy arising from within the scar of a previous malignancy excision. With any changes to a scar, a prompt biopsy should be performed and treatment administered appropriately depending on the diagnosis.