Musculoskeletal and Skin Pathology for Medical II Students

Lab 2f Squamous Cell Carcinoma (01000-80703)

Squamous cell carcinoma is another common cutaneous malignancy that represents a proliferation of atypical epidermal cells. It most commonly arises from areas of chronic ultraviolet damage, often evolving from a precursor lesion, actinic keratosis. Typically, squamous cell carcinomas appear as hyperkeratotic, crusted nodules or patches that may ulcerate. Generally, actinically induced squamous cell carcinomas have low metastatic potential and are readily cured by excision or other surgical techniques. Precursor actinic keratoses can be removed by cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or with topical 5-fluorouracil, a valuable method when numerous lesions are present. Squamous cell carcinoma arising on the lip (mucocutaneous junction) is a more dangerous tumor with greater metastatic potential; the same is true of squamous cell carcinomas arising in burn scars, in areas of chronic radiodermatitis, or in foci of chronic inflammation.

Slides D20 & D21 | Slide D22

Slide D22 Squamous cell carcinoma (high power). A keratinized aggregate of tumor cells (keratin pearl). This is a sign that the tumor is well-differentiated, but does not preclude the possibility that it can metastasize.

Digital Legends for Labs/Cases
Lab 1
1a | 1b | 1c | 1d | 1e | 1f | 1g
Gross & Radiographs
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h 
Lab 2
2a | 2b | 2c | 2d | 2e | 2f

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Updated August 28, 2007