Squamous cell carcinoma in an African American with discoid lupus erythematosus: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Discoid lupus is an autoimmune disorder with primarily cutaneous manifestations. Carcinomatous changes in discoid lupus can lead to the development of squamous cell carcinoma. While this most often occurs in Caucasians, the presented patient is an African American. She developed numerous squamous cell carcinomas in areas of scarring from discoid lupus. This case illustrates the need for careful observation of discoid lupus for the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the African American patient.