Which condition is characterized by shallow, ulcerated lesions?

• A. Mucocele
• B. Squamous cell carcinoma
• C. Circular papules
• D. Cold sore (herpes)

Answer: (B)

The condition characterized by shallow, ulcerated lesions is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer can present as a persistent sore that has a hard, raised border and may appear as an ulcer on the surface of the skin. The lesions may be painful and can bleed, and they often have irregular edges, which differentiates them from some benign conditions.

In contrast, mucocele typically appears as a dome-shaped swelling filled with mucous and does not usually present with ulcerated lesions. Circular papules can refer to various conditions, but they usually present as raised, solid lesions and do not encompass the ulceration characteristic seen in squamous cell carcinoma. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually manifest as vesicular lesions that can break open, but they are more likely to present as blister-like sores rather than the ulcerated lesions typical of squamous cell carcinoma.