Photoletter to the editor: Squamous cell carcinoma associated with and masquerading as molluscum contagiosum.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma skin cancer with a significant risk of mortality if not diagnosed promptly. A high index of suspicion is required, since it may mimic many benign conditions. Molluscum contagiosum is an innocuous viral infection which can also mimic a wide variety of other conditions. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma on the anterior chest wall resembling a giant molluscum contagiosum, where the patient also had molluscum contagiosum at other sites. In addition, he developed herpes zoster of the left fifth thoracic dermatome. After surgical removal of the cancer, there was prompt subsidence of the molluscum contagiosum lesions without any specific treatment. This report highlights the importance of early biopsy in the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. As the patient had no other conditions or therapy that could account for the immunosuppression, we hypothesize that the occurrance of molluscum contagiosum and zoster along with the squamous cell carcinoma indicates possible immunosuppression due to the carcinoma, though no metastatic spread could be detected.