Dermatology

Question 1

What are angiosarcomas?

Answer 1

Malignant vascular tumours most commonly seen in elderly men. They most commonly occur on the scalp and forehead. They present an infiltrative vascular patch or plaque with super-imposed nodules which may bleed with minor trauma. They have a poor prognosis. Angiosarcomas can also occur in areas of chronic lymphoedema

Question 2

What would the biopsy of bullous pemphigoid show?

Answer 2

Subepidermal blister with an infiltrate of eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence studies will reveal IgG and C3 in the basement membrane zone

Question 3

What would the biopsy of erythema nodosum show?

Answer 3

Inflammatory cells within the septa of the subcutaneous fat (panniculitis)

Question 4

What would the biopsy of pemphigous vulgaris show?

Answer 4

Intraepidermal blister with acantholytic cells

Question 5

What would the biopsy of pustular drug eruptions/pustular psoriasis show?

Answer 5

Subepidermal blister with eosinophils

Question 6

What would the biopsy of papulosquamous disorders show (e.g. eczema pityriasis rosea)?

Answer 6

Thickening of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis) and spongiosis within the epidermis