Skin Malignancies (Tyler)

Question 1

Diagnostic features for basal cell carcinoma

Answer 1

Pearly papule, erythematous patch, or nonhealing ulcer, in sun exposed areas

Telangiectatic vessels visible

Pearly or transluscent is most diagnostic. History of bleeding possible.

Question 2

Risk factors for skin cancers

Answer 2

History of sunburns and/or heavy sun exposure
Blue or green eyes
Fair complexion
Equatorial living
Sub-equatorial living

Question 3

Diagnostic features of SCC

Answer 3

Nonhealing ulcer or warty nodule

The lesions appear as small, red, conival, hard nodules that occasionally ulcerate

Skin damage due to long-term sun exposure

Common in fair-skinned individuals and in organ transplant recipients and other immunosuppressed patients.

May arise from actinic keratosis

Question 4

What are some skin conditions that are associated with malignancy?

Answer 4

Pruritis

Gottren’s papules- dermatomyositis

Clubbing- internal malignancy, cyanotic heart disease, IBD, lung disease

Pyoderma grangrenosum