| Description |
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Squamous cell carcinoma of the auricle is a relatively uncommon malignant tumor which usually arises from keratinocytes that have been damaged by exogenous agents such as sunlight, x-rays, or radium burns. This malignancy occurs more frequently in persons of fair complexion who have experienced prolonged exposure to the sun.
Clinically, a squamous cell carcinoma may appear as an indurated papule, plaque, or nodule which is frequently eroded, crusted, and ulcerated.
Rapid growth in the size of the lesion, tenderness to palpation, crusting, and ulceration are all signs that should alert the physician to the presence of a squamous cell carcinoma. On palpation the lesion is hard and may be fixed to the underlying structures.
In rare instances there will be a spread to the regional lymph nodes.
An ulcerated basal cell carcinoma is present on the posterior aspect of the pinna. Histologic examination of the excised specimen revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with marked central keratinization. |
