Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Discoid Lupus on Photo Protected Area

Abstract

Introduction: Discoid lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with mainly skin manifestations. Squamous cell carcinoma is a complication of discoid lupus on phototype VI and photoprotected area. We are reporting a case. Observation: It was a 52-year-old man, driver for 30 years, phototype VI, received for a budding lesion of the back evolving for 1 year on discoid lupus erythematosus followed for 10 years. On examination, there was a budding swelling with a bleeding surface of 5cm in diameter resting on a discoid lupus lesion in the lumbar region with discoid plates along the spine. Histology showed moderately differentiated tumor cells with volumeincreased nuclei; nucleolated. He benefited from a carcinological excision followed by chemotherapy and was then lost to follow-up. Discussion: Squamous cell carcinomas are rare on discoid lupus erythematous. The factors incriminated would be chronic inflammatory processes, atrophy, depigmentation, UV rays, microtrauma by friction related to the patient’s profession. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma on discoid lupus erythematous remains a rare cancer in photo protected areas.