Ola Baczynski

Title : Unusual presentation of invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma on posterior thigh

Abstract:

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer in the United States, after basal cell carcinoma. Ultraviolet radiation through sun exposure is considered the greatest risk factor, which explains why cSCC most typically presents on the face, neck, scalp, extensor forearms, dorsal hands, and shins 1 . Several other environmental exposures have also been associated with increased risk for cSCC including chemical agents, immunosuppressive medications, chronic inflammation of the skin such as with ulcers or sinus tracts, trauma, burns, and viruses, most notably HPV 2 . cSCC is often characterized as slow progressing, with metastasis of the lesion being rare (3-9%)3 . However, cSCC can emerge in “nontraditional” areas with aggressive characteristics, so clinical suspicion should remain high when examining open wounds and ulcers.

Biography:

Alexandra (Ola) Baczynski is a current fourth year medical student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is also a member of the Urban Medicine Program, which is an organization committed to addressing health care disparities throughout the city of Chicago. Ola volunteers as a health educator at Deborah's Place, a nonprofit who provides housing for women experiencing homelessness. Additionally, as a first generation American and college graduate, she is passionate about providing access to non-English speakers. Although she is currently deciding on what specialty to apply to in the fall, she is very interested in dermatology, specifically the various presentations of cutaneous malignancies.