title: Occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma in an area of lichen simplex chronicus: case report and pathogenetic hypothesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lichen simplex chronicus is a common skin disorder characterized by circumscribed, lichenified, pruritic plaque secondary to local repetitive trauma, notably rubbing and scratching.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We describe a case of a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a patient with a long-lasting history of lichen simplex chronicus and discuss the potential role of the microenvironment in predisposing the malignant transformation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Here we propose a hypothesis in which rubbing and scratching contribute to an excess of inflammatory mediators, which in turn may lead to alterations in the processes of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
authors.affiliation: University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Cesare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tiengo
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deluca
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belloni-Fortina
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salmaso
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galifi
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alaibac
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009450:Neurodermatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery