A 70-year-old man presents with a pearly white lesion on his cheek.He tells the nurse that he used to work in the construction industry building houses.The lesion has become itchy and bleeds.What disorder would the nurse suspect this patient has?

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Basal cell carcinoma (BCCA)is common among the older adult population.The lesions occur on the head and neck,can be pigmented,pearly white or pink,and frequently bleed.Actinic keratosis is premalignant to squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA).The lesions are superficial,flattened papules covered by dry scales which may be irregular in shape and pink or tan in color.Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on the backs of the hands,scalp,and top of the pinna.The lesions appear red,have an inflamed base,and are mobile with well-defined borders.Malignant melanoma appears as brownish tan,red,white,blue,pink,purple,or gray lesions with irregular borders and notching.They can be flat or elevated.The lesions of BCCA,SCCA,actinic keratosis,and malignant melanoma are associated with repeated,prolonged sun exposure.

A 70-Year-Old Man Presents with a Pearly White Lesion on His