Abstract

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common skin cancer arising from malignant keratinocytes in the epidermis. Despite its generally less aggressive nature compared to melanoma, cSCC poses significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical features with other skin malignancies, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 150 patients diagnosed with cSCC, BCC, or melanoma at a tertiary dermatology center. Clinical presentations were assessed based on lesion characteristics, including morphology and location. Histopathological evaluations were performed on biopsy specimens to confirm diagnoses and differentiate between cSCC, BCC, and melanoma. Treatment outcomes and diagnostic accuracy were analyzed based on clinical and histopathological data. Results: cSCC often presented as nodular or ulcerative lesions on sun-exposed skin, with features such as irregular borders and bleeding. BCC typically appeared as pearly nodules with central ulceration, while melanoma exhibited irregular borders and multiple colors. Histopathological examination confirmed cSCC diagnosis in 60% of cases, BCC in 30%, and melanoma in 10%. Accurate diagnosis was achieved in 90% of cases with histopathological confirmation. Surgical excision was the primary treatment, with additional therapies applied in high-risk cases. Conclusion: Distinguishing cSCC from BCC and melanoma requires careful clinical evaluation and histopathological assessment. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment, particularly for high-risk cases. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic strategies in managing cutaneous malignancies.

Keywords: Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Melanoma, Histopathological Evaluation, Skin Cancer Diagnosis