Squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Risk Factors

  • UV radiation
  • Chronic arsenic exposure
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Immunosuppression
  • Chronic skin inflammation [1]

Clinical Features

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

Differential Diagnosis

Dermatologic malignancies

Evaluation

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

Management

  • Not typically managed within ED

Disposition

  • Discharge with dermatology follow-up

See Also

External Links

References

  1. National Cancer Institute. Skin Cancer Treatment https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq