Giant cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp arising in the setting of folliculitis decalvans

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is uncommon in African Americans (AAs), with an incidence of approximately 0.003%. However, it is the most common skin cancer in that patient population. In AAs, SCC typically arises in sun-protected areas and mainly affects patients older than 50 years. We report a case of giant SCC in an AA man in his 40s with long-standing folliculitis decalvans on the scalp. Three previous skin biopsies were inconclusive. A wide excision was performed and the defect was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh free flap. Histological analysis of the resected specimen revealed a well-moderately differentiated keratinising SCC with clear cell changes, severe mixed inflammation, folliculitis and dermal scar. He was discharged 2 weeks later and has been followed up closely. Four months later, the patient presents with metastatic SCC to an occipital lymph node.

Primary cicatricial alopecia: Lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecias, including chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and Graham-Little syndrome

Both primary and secondary forms of cicatricial alopecia have been described. The hair follicles are the specific target of inflammation in primary cicatricial alopecias. Hair follicles are destroyed randomly with surrounding structures in secondary cicatricial alopecia. This 2-part continuing medical education article will review primary cicatricial alopecias according to the working classification suggested by the North American Hair Research Society. In this classification, the different entities are classified into 3 different groups according to their prominent inflammatory infiltrate (ie, lymphocytic, neutrophilic, and mixed). Part I discusses the following lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecias: chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and Graham-Little syndrome.