dermatologic disorders
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Symptoms and Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The clinical appearance is highly variable, but any nonhealing lesion on a sun-exposed surface should be suspect. The tumor may begin as a red papule or plaque with a scaly or crusted surface and may become nodular or hyperkeratotic, sometimes with a warty surface. In some cases, the bulk of the lesion may lie below the level of the surrounding skin. Eventually the tumor ulcerates and invades the underlying tissue. This photo shows a hyperkeratotic skin-colored nodule arising on a sun-exposed area consistent with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Photo provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This erythematous, irregular plaque on an extremity was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma on biopsy. © Springer Science+Business Media The appearance of squamous cell carcinoma is variable. These hyperpigmented, scaly lesions on the earlobe were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma on biopsy. DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This squamous cell carcinoma on the lip is highly keratinized; not all squamous cell carcinomas of the lip are as highly keratinized. Photo courtesy of Gregory L. Wells, MD. This photo shows squamous cell carcinoma manifesting as a large, ulcer-like area that, in its later stages, spread to other parts of the body. DR M.A. ANSARY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This photo shows squamous cell carcinoma manifesting as a large, ulcer-like area that, in its later stages, spread to other parts of the body. DR M.A. ANSARY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY 