A member asked:

Can having severe abscess that's reappear over time lead to death? or skin cancer ?

8 doctors weighed in across 5 answers

Marjolin's ulcer: Marjolin's ulcer is a form of skin cancer that develops in the site of a severe burn scar. I don't know if the same thing can happen with a chronic abscess. If this is happening to you, you need to see a doc for proper treatment, which will include draining the abscess and taking antibiotics to treat the infection.

Answered 1/5/2019

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Not likely: Abcesses do not cause cancer. A deep or large abcess could theoretically cause death, but it is much more likely to cause disfigurement / scaring and pain.

Answered 2/26/2013

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Possibly.: Recurrent abscesses, depending where they are, how severe, and what causes them, may be just recurrent and treated, or they might lead to sepsis and death. An abscess in or near the jaw/mouth/teeth can result in cardiac problems, brain infection, sepsis, and death. However, a muscle abscess may go a long time without being noticed. It is almost unheard of that abscesses lead to skin cancer.

Answered 10/8/2012

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Tooth Abscess Death: One very rare condition in dentistry that can cause death do to a dental abscess. Many dentist never see one in their whole career. It is called a ludwig angina. It is when a dental abscess from an infected lower molar expands under the tongue, causing the tongue to lift up, preventing swallowing and closing the airway. Intubation may be needed to keep the airway open. See an oral surgeon asap.

Answered 9/20/2019

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Dr. Travis Kidner answered

Specializes in Surgical Oncology

Possible: It would not be common, but chronic infection can develop malignancy. The real question would be to find the cause of these severe abscesses.

Answered 4/4/2013

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