Publication:

Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma mimicking occipital lipoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common cancer arising from keratinocytes which can present as benign lesions. We present a case of well differentiated carcinoma mimicking an occipital lipoma. A 39-year-old female presented with occipital swelling of 8 years duration with associated pain which on examination showed a firm, well-defined lobulated, mildly tender mass attached to the skin but not underlying structures. Ultrasound showed lipoma with degenerative changes and histology showed well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. She subsequently had wide local excision. Our case is similar to other reports showing squamous cell carcinoma resembling benign conditions. There is therefore a need to have a high index of suspicion when evaluating benign lesions especially of the scalp.