Discoid lupus erythematosus leading to squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Abstract

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common chronic form of cutaneous lupus. It is characterised by persistent scaly, disk-like plaques on scalp, face and ears that may cause pigmentary changes, scarring and hair loss. Squamous cell carcinoma can rarely arise within a longstanding DLE plaque in the skin. It presents as an enlarging warty growth or ulcer. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma which developed on lesion of discoid lupus erythematosus within a short period of time.