Occult squamous cell carcinoma within lichenoid dermatitis: three examples of cryptic cancer detection

Arch Dermatol Res. 2023 May;315(4):795-798. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02436-x. Epub 2022 Oct 31.

Abstract

Lichenoid dermatitis can be a perplexing entity encompassing an array of cutaneous disorders. Two hundred forty-three (243) cases of otherwise unclassifiable lichenoid dermatitis were examined histologically employing a special cytokeratin stain. Occult squamous cell carcinoma was detected in three of the 243 cases, uncovered by special immunohistochemistry staining within histologic specimens of lichenoid dermatitis. We recommend staining for cutaneous cancer becoming a routine practice in evaluating cutaneous lichenoid dermatitis.

Keywords: Actinic keratosis; Eczema; Lichenoid dermatitis; Melanoma; Merkel cell carcinoma; Skin cancer prevention and early detection; Squamous cell carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / diagnosis
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / pathology
  • Neurodermatitis*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology