Oregon Esthetician State Board

What condition is characterized by red or pink scaly papules that may bleed easily?

1. Basal cell carcinoma

2. Melanoma

3. Squamous cell carcinoma

4. Keratosis

The correct answer is: Squamous cell carcinoma

The condition described, characterized by red or pink scaly papules that may bleed easily, aligns with squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer often presents as rough, scaly patches that can become ulcerated, and they can indeed bleed upon minor trauma. Squamous cell carcinoma arises in the squamous cells, which are flat cells found in the outer layer of the skin. The lesions can develop on sun-exposed areas and may progress from precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis, which also features scaly patches but typically does not have the same level of invasiveness or tendency to bleed. Basal cell carcinoma, while also a form of skin cancer, usually appears as a pearly or shiny bump and is less likely to bleed compared to squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is associated with dark moles or spots, and while it can be aggressive, the specific description does not fit melanoma's typical presentation. Keratosis, specifically actinic keratosis, refers to rough patches due to sun damage but does not usually have the scaly papule characteristics linked to squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, the features of red or pink scaly papules that may bleed are most indicative of squamous cell