benign skin lesions Flashcards
how would you describe a skin lesion?
Site
Size
Shape
Colour
what would you record palpating a skin lesion?
Mobility, surface changes, temperature, consistency
what are Seborrhoeic Keratoses?
Warty growths, “stuck on appearance”
Can have variable appearance
how would you treat Seborrhoeic Keratoses if they are troublesome?
Cryotherapy
Curettage
what is Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen
what are the pros of cryotherapy?
Cheap
Easy to perform “on the day”
what are the cons of cryotherapy?
Can scar
Failure/Recurrence
No histology
what is sign of leser-trelat?
Abrupt onset of widespread seborrhoeic keratosis, particularly in a younger individual
whatare viral warts due to?
Human Papilloma Virus
what is the surface like on viral warts?
Rough hyperkeratotic surface
what are cysts?
Encapsulated lesion containing fluid or semi-fluid material
what are the different types of cysts?
Epidermoid cyst (often wrongly called sebaceous) Pilar cyst Steatocystoma Dermoid cyst Hidrocystoma Ganglion cyst
what is bad about cysts?
can rupture and cause inflammation of surround skin
how are cysts treated?
Treated with excision If inflammed/infected Antibiotics Intralesional steroid Incision & Drainage
what is dermatofibroma?
Benign fibrous nodule, often on limbs
Proliferation of fibroblasts
what is the cause of dermatofibroma?
Cause is unknown. They are sometimes attributed to an area of trauma
what are the symptoms of dermatofibroma?
Firm nodule, tethered to skin but mobile over fat. Pale pink/brown. Often paler in centre.
Dimple sign positive
what are lipomas?
Benign tumour consisting of fat cells
what are the causes of lipomas?
unknown
what are the concerns of lipoma is tender?
angiolipoma
?Liposarcoma – rare malignancy
what are angiomas?
Overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin due to proliferating endothelial cells
what are the symptoms of angiomas?
Generally asymptomatic. Can be unsightly or bleed
what is the treatment of angiomas?
Excision or laser
what are pyogenic granulomas?
Rapidly enlarging red/raw growth, often at a site of trauma.
how are pyogenic granulomas removed?
curettage & cautery
what are risk factors for pre malignant lesions?
UV radiation- dna damage and immunosuppression
what is Actinic Keratoses
Rough scaly patches on sun damaged skin
what is the treatment of Actinic Keratoses
Cryotherapy
Curettage
Diclofenac Gel
Imiquimod
what is bowens disease?
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ
what are the signs of bowens disease?
Irregular, scaly erythematous plaque
what is the treatment of bowens?
Cryotherapy
Curettage
Lesion scraped off and heat applied to seal vessels and destroy residual cancer cells
photodynamic therapy
Imiquimod
how does photo dynamic therapy work?
Photochemical reaction to selectively destroy cancer cells
Topical photosensitising agent applied
Concentrates in cancerous
cells
Red light applied
Photodymanic reaction occurs
what is imiquimod?
Aldara
Immune response modifier
Stimulates cytokine release
Inflammation and destruction of lesion
what are the pros of imiquimod?
Useful where surgery is undesirable
Usually good cosmetic result
what are the cons of imiquimod?
Treatment time is 6 weeks
Significant inflammation
Failure/recurrence
where is melanoma cells confined to?
epidermis
does melanoma in situ have the potential to be metastatic
no
how are melanomas treated
excision
