HYPERTROPHIC DISCOID LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS RESEMBLING SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA

BACKGROUND. Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus (HDLE) may resemb le cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histologically. OBJECTIVE. The histologic features that help to differentiate HDLE from SCC are r eviewed. METHODS. TWO patients are described with HDLE. RESULTS. Both patients were treated initially with Mohs surgery for ''biopsy-proven' ' SCC. Subsequent biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of HDLE and the pat ients responded well to appropriate therapy. No significant complicati ons occurred in either patient. CONCLUSION. Lesions of HDLE may imitat e SCC. Strategies are suggested to avoid surgical procedures based on an incorrect biopsy report.