Which description fits squamous cell carcinoma?

• A. Most common skin cancer, about 80% of cases.
• B. Melanoma characteristics.
• C. Crusted, scaly, and ulcerated; can metastasize.
• D. It is benign and never metastasizes.

Answer: (C)

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor of keratinocytes in the epidermis that often presents as a crusted, scaly, ulcerated lesion on sun-exposed skin and has the potential to invade locally and metastasize to regional lymph nodes. This combination of surface description and metastatic potential is what makes the description—crusted, scaly, and ulcerated; can metastasize—the best fit. Basal cell carcinoma, while more common, typically appears as pearly nodules and rarely metastasizes. Melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells and has different features and progression. It isn’t benign and can indeed spread.