Which eyelid cancer is described as an erythematous plaque that is rough and scaly?

Which eyelid cancer is described as an erythematous plaque that is rough and scaly?

• A. Basal cell carcinoma
• B. Melanoma
• C. Adenocarcinoma
• D. Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer: (D)

Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid often presents as an erythematous, rough, crusted plaque. The keratinizing cancer cells produce surface scaling and crusting, and the lesion can become ulcerated as it enlarges. This pattern fits SCC better than the others: basal cell carcinoma tends to be a pearly, translucent nodule with telangiectasia and rolled borders; melanoma usually shows pigmented, irregularly colored lesions; adenocarcinoma of the meibomian glands often presents as a persistent lid swelling rather than a crusted plaque.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid often presents as an erythematous, rough, crusted plaque. The keratinizing cancer cells produce surface scaling and crusting, and the lesion can become ulcerated as it enlarges. This pattern fits SCC better than the others: basal cell carcinoma tends to be a pearly, translucent nodule with telangiectasia and rolled borders; melanoma usually shows pigmented, irregularly colored lesions; adenocarcinoma of the meibomian glands often presents as a persistent lid swelling rather than a crusted plaque.