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What type of skin cancer begins as a firm, red nodule or scaly, crusted flat lesion?
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Actinic keratosis
The correct answer is: Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is particularly characterized by the development of firm, red nodules or scaly, crusted flat lesions. This type of skin cancer arises from the squamous cells, which are the flat surface cells of the skin. Early forms of squamous cell carcinoma can often present as a red, scaly patch or a raised lesion that might bleed or crust over, indicating potential malignancy. In contrast, basal cell carcinoma typically presents as a pearly or waxy bump on the skin or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion. Melanoma, the more aggressive form of skin cancer, usually manifests as a new mole or changes in an existing mole characterized by asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, and larger diameter. Actinic keratosis is not a skin cancer itself, but rather a precursor to it, presenting as rough, scaly patches that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if untreated. This distinction highlights why the identification of squamous cell carcinoma plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management to prevent potentially serious outcomes associated with this skin cancer.