BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus (HDLE) may resemble cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histologically. OBJECTIVE: The histologic features that help to differentiate HDLE from SCC are reviewed. 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 patients responded well to appropriate therapy. No significant complications occurred in either patient. CONCLUSION: Lesions of HDLE may imitate SCC. Strategies are suggested to avoid surgical procedures based on an incorrect biopsy report.
BACKGROUND:Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus (HDLE) may resemble cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histologically. OBJECTIVE: The histologic features that help to differentiate HDLE from SCC are reviewed. 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 patients responded well to appropriate therapy. No significant complications occurred in either patient. CONCLUSION: Lesions of HDLE may imitate SCC. Strategies are suggested to avoid surgical procedures based on an incorrect biopsy report.