Apple core lesion is seen in
**Question:** Apple core lesion is seen in
A. Carcinoma in situ
B. Basal cell carcinoma
C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Bowen's disease
**Core Concept:** Apple core lesion refers to a characteristic histopathological finding seen in certain types of skin cancers. This term is used to describe a central area of epidermal atrophy with surrounding hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and dyskeratosis, resembling the core of an apple.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is **D. Bowen's disease**. Bowen's disease is a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, which is a non-invasive form of skin cancer. The term "apple core" is used to describe the histopathological changes seen in the epidermis, including epidermal atrophy, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and dyskeratosis, resembling the core of an apple.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Carcinoma in situ (Aristotle's disease)** is another term for Bowen's disease. The incorrect answer is not mentioned specifically but relates to the same concept.
B. **Basal cell carcinoma** is a different type of skin cancer, characterized by a pearly white nodule and ulceration. It does not show the apple core lesion morphology.
C. **Squamous cell carcinoma** is another type of skin cancer but does not exhibit the apple core lesion morphology. It presents with nodular or plaque lesions with ulceration.
**Clinical Pearl:** It is essential for medical students and practitioners to understand the various types of skin cancers and their clinical features. This helps in making an accurate diagnosis, planning appropriate treatment, and improving patient outcomes. In clinical practice, recognizing these lesions can help in suspecting underlying skin cancer and referring the patient to a dermatologist for further evaluation and management.