A skin biopsy specimen was taken from the center of the lesion and this was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histologic examination demonstrated an irregular tumor mass throughout the epidermis and dermis (Fig. 2A). The epidermis was characterized by squamous dysplasia, and the invading tumor mass consisted of well-differentiated squamous cells that showed individual keratinization (Fig. 2B). Also present were tumor nests of poorly differentiated atypical squamous cells.

The diagnosis of rhinophyma is principally based on the clinical features and it is often straightforward. However, several clinical characteristics including drainage, ulceration and a rapid growth pattern may be indicative of a malignancy³. In the previous case reports of SCC clinically associated with rhinophyma, all the patients commonly had a long-standing stationary rhinophyma (3 to 20 years) and then it showed unexpected rapid growth and ulcerative change during the several weeks preceding the diagnosis of SCC^7-9. In contrast, our case is unique in that he has no previous history of rhinophyma or rosacea, and a rhinophyma-like plaque rapidly developed on the nose tip over such a short period of 2 months. The histopathologic examination revealed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with no evidence of rhinophyma. Thus, as is shown by our case, the unusual growth pattern of a newly formed rhinophyma-like lesion as well as the abrupt clinical changes of a preexisting steady rhinophyma could support the possibility of hidden malignancy rather than a rhinophyma itself.

Once the pathologic diagnosis of SCC is made, a thorough examination should be performed to evaluate whether it is a primary malignancy or a metastatic lesion. In our case, subsequent imaging studies, including lung CT and PET-CT, showed no evidence of hidden primary internal malignancy, and the patient was finally diagnosed with cutaneous SCC that occurred primarily on the tip of his nose.

Primary cutaneous SCC of the nose is not uncommon, and its reported incidence has ranged from 5.8% to 7.5% of all cutaneous SCCs in Korea^12-14. It is well known that chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main etiologic factor for the genesis of SCC¹⁵. Besides some acquired and genetic precancerous skin conditions, some chemical carcinogens have been reported to be involved in the development of SCCs of the nose; the incidence of SCC of the nose is remarkably higher among industrial workers coming in contact with nickel subsulphide, calcium chromate, isopropyl oil and so on¹⁶. However, this is not such a case because there was no known provoking factor for our patient.

Treatment of a squamous cell carcinoma resembling a rhinophyma is directed by the histologic diagnosis⁷. Non-excisional ablative techniques, Mohs surgery, conventional surgical excision and radiation therapy are generally considered for treatment¹⁷.

With respect to the anatomic site, SCCs of the nose tip are not a high risk lesion compared with SCCs of the ear or the lip¹⁷. Accordingly, rhinophyma-like clinical features do not seem to have a prognostic implication for SCCs. However, the prognosis may be poor as an unfortunate consequence of delayed treatment that's caused by the misdiagnosis of a rhinophyma when considering that rhinophyma is mostly diagnosed clinically without performing a skin biopsy.