Squamous cell carcinoma

Background

• Second most common skin cancer
• Higher rates of metastasis than basal cell carcinoma

Risk Factors

• UV radiation
• Chronic arsenic exposure
• Ionizing radiation
• Immunosuppression
• Chronic skin inflammation

Clinical Features

• Appearance highly variable
• Slow growing
• Non-healing papule, plaque, or ulcer
• Scaling, bleeding, crusty
• On sun-exposed area of skin

Differential Diagnosis

Dermatologic malignancies

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Kaposi's sarcoma
• Melanoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Evaluation

• Clinical examination by trained clinician (dermatology referral)
• Skin biopsy

Management

• Not typically managed within ED

Disposition

• Discharge with dermatology follow-up

See Also

• Basal cell carcinoma