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What can be mistaken for squamous cell carcinoma?

Published in Skin Condition Misdiagnosis 3 mins read

Several benign skin conditions can be mistaken for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. These conditions often share similar appearances or characteristics, making professional diagnosis crucial.


Common Benign Conditions Mistaken for Skin Cancer

It is important to remember that only a medical professional can accurately diagnose skin lesions. However, here are some common non-cancerous conditions that may resemble skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma:

Condition Description Potential Resemblance to SCC
Psoriasis A chronic autoimmune condition causing rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick, red, scaly patches. Can appear as red, scaly, or crusted patches, similar to some early SCC lesions.
Seborrheic Keratoses Benign skin growths that often appear waxy, brown, black, or tan, and can look "stuck on." May resemble pigmented SCC, especially if inflamed or irritated.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia Enlarged oil glands that appear as small, flesh-colored to yellowish bumps, often with a central indentation. Can be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma or a nodular form of SCC due to their dome shape.
Nevus (Mole) Common skin growths that vary in size, shape, and color. They can be flat or raised. Atypical moles might be confused with various skin cancers, including pigmented SCC.
Cherry Angioma Common benign skin growths made of small blood vessels, appearing as small, bright red, or purplish bumps. While less common to mistake for SCC, a bleeding or crusted angioma could be misinterpreted.

Understanding the Mimics

  • Psoriasis: This condition is characterized by inflamed, red patches covered with silvery scales. While typically distinct, some forms, particularly chronic plaques or those on sun-exposed areas, might raise suspicion for SCC due to their persistent, scaly nature. It's an immune system issue where T cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells.
  • Seborrheic Keratoses: These are among the most common non-cancerous skin growths in older adults. They can be brown, black, or tan, and have a slightly raised, waxy, "pasted-on" appearance. When they become irritated, inflamed, or scab over, they can be confused with various skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, especially if they are rapidly changing.
  • Sebaceous Hyperplasia: These small, soft, yellowish or flesh-colored bumps are enlarged oil glands. They often have a central indentation or "dimple" and are typically found on the face. Their dome-like shape can sometimes be confused with the more aggressive appearance of nodular skin cancers.
  • Nevus (Mole): Moles are common. While most are harmless, atypical moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, varied color, or are changing in size can be a concern and might prompt evaluation for skin cancer, including potentially certain forms of SCC if they are inflamed or evolving.
  • Cherry Angioma: These are bright red or purple spots on the skin, caused by an overgrowth of small blood vessels. They are usually small and benign. While typically distinct, if a cherry angioma is traumatized, bleeds, or develops a crust, it could briefly be mistaken for a more concerning lesion.

Importance of Professional Evaluation

Given that many benign conditions can visually mimic skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, it is always recommended to consult a dermatologist or medical professional for any new, changing, or suspicious skin lesion. They can perform a thorough examination, and if necessary, a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and ensure appropriate management.