Cutaneous leishmaniasis mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin malignancy requiring surgical excision.
• Nonhealing skin lesions can present diagnostic challenges, mimicking other conditions.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a nonhealing left cheek lesion initially suspected as squamous cell carcinoma.
• Initial biopsy showed atypical squamous cell proliferation, leading to Mohs surgery.

Findings:

• Post-Mohs surgery histopathology review revealed the lesion was not malignant.
• Consulting pathologists and the CDC confirmed the diagnosis as leishmaniasis, specifically Leishmania mexicana.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical need for differential diagnosis in dermatology, considering infectious diseases.
• Accurate diagnosis of leishmaniasis is crucial for appropriate treatment and preventing misdiagnosis as malignancy.
• Prompt identification and management by infectious disease specialists are essential for patient outcomes.