Benign Skin Lesions Flashcards
(24 cards)
What should you take note of when describing a skin lesion?
Site Size Shape Colour Palpate- mobility, surface changes, temperature, consistency Lymphadenopathy
What are the characteristics of seborrhoeic keratoses?
Warty growths with a “stuck on” appearance
Often have multiple cherry angiomas
How are seborrhoeic keratoses treated and in what cases is treatment given?
Treatment generally not given unless causing functional or severe psychological problems
Curettage or cryotherapy to remove
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cryotherapy?
Advantages- cheap, easy to perform
Disadvantages- can scar, can fail, can’t give a histological sample and so shouldn’t be used on malignancies
What are the characteristics of the sign of Leser-Trelat and what can it indicate?
Abrupt onset of widespread seborrhoeic keratosis
May indicate underlying organ malignancy such as GI adenocarcinoma
What virus causes viral warts?
Human papilloma virus
How can viral warts be treated?
Will clear on its own once patient develops immunity to virus
Cryotherapy or wart paints can stimulate immune system
Can curette in severe cases
Describe the characteristics of a cyst
Encapsulated lesion containing fluid/semi-fluid material
Usually firm and fluctuant
What are the possible complications associated with cysts?
Can rupture and cause inflammation of skin
May become secondary infected
How are cysts treated?
Excision
If inflamed/infected give antibiotics, intralesional steroids or incision & drainage
What are the characteristics of dermatofibroma?
Benign fibrous nodule often on limbs
Firm nodule tethered to skin but mobile over fat
Nodule is pale pink/brown that is often paler in centre
Dimple sign +ve
In what cases would you excise a dermatofibroma?
If concerned
If symptomatic- itchy or tender
What is a lipoma?
Benign tumour of fat cells
What should be queried if a lipoma is symptomatic?
If tender-
angiolipoma
liposarcoma
What causes angiomas?
Overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin due to proliferating endothelial cells
How can angiomas be removed?
With excision or laser
What are the characteristics of a pyogenic granuloma?
Rapidly growing red/raw growth
Often at site of trauma
Bleed easily
Common on head and hands
How are pyogenic granulomas removed?
Curettage and cautery
What are the characteristics of actinic keratoses, what cancer can they develop into and what is the treatment?
Characteristics- rough scaly patches on sun damaged skin
Low risk of progression to SCC
Treatment- curettage, cryotherapy, diclofinec gel or Imiquimod
What causes Bowen’s disease?
In-situ SCC
What lesion is present in Bowen’s disease?
Irregular, scaly, erythamatous plaque
What is the treatment of Bowen’s disease?
Cryotherapy
Curettage
Photodynamic therapy
Imiquimod
What are the advantages and disadvantages of imiquimod?
Advantages- topical treatment so can be done at home, usually good cosmetic result and is good where surgery is undesirable
Disadvantages- treatment takes 6 weeks, can cause significant inflammation and can fail
How is in situ melanoma treated?
With excision
