Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a recent plaque of discoid lupus erythematous, in a sun-protected area.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a known complication reported to occur in chronic discoid lupus erythematosus in sun-exposed areas. We report a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed a squamous cell carcinoma in a recent plaque of discoid lupus erythematosus in a sun-protected area. This article emphasizes the need for a very high index of suspicion for squamous cell carcinoma and repeated biopsies when discoid lupus erythematosus fails to respond to conventional therapy or there is unexplained exacerbation.