Case #5 Discussion

Summary: This is an erythematous surface lesion.   ~There is no history of trauma to the area.   ~The lesion is persistent and progressive. Lesions to Exclude from Differential Diagonsis: All vesicular-ulcerated-erythematous surface lesions with painful ulcers, erosions, or erythematous areas. Lesions to Include in the Differential Diagnosis: Erythroplasia (Erythroplakia), which includes:   ~Epithelial dysplasia   ~Carcinoma-in-situ   ~Squamous Cell Carcinoma Management: Biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis   ~Could be premalignant or malignant   ~Palpate cervical lymph nodes to detect possible metastatic lesions Patient Education   ~Nature of the lesion, differential diagnosis, and importance of the biopsy. Final Diagnosis: Carcinoma-in-situ