Final answer:
The malignant growth described as an irregular, crusted, red papule commonly found in sun-exposed areas of the skin is known as squamous cell carcinoma, which is curable with early detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the malignant growth that is irregular, crusted, red papule occurring in sun-exposed areas of the skin is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the flattened, keratin-filled squamous cells in the upper layers of the epidermis. It is the second most common form of skin cancer and is more likely to occur on areas of the skin that have been exposed to sunlight over a long duration.
Squamous cell carcinomas may present as firm, red nodules or flat lesions with a scaly, crusted surface. Treatment usually involves surgical methods and is typically curable if detected early. Other skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common and begins in the basal cells of the epidermis, and melanoma, which is the most deadly and arises from melanocytes, have different characteristics and presentations.