A patient has an irregularly shaped, brown to black lesion on the ...

[bio_gurl]

A patient has an irregularly shaped, brown to black lesion on the upper arm that has changed color recently. The widest diameter is 6 mm. You should:
 
  A. Measure and record the dimensions and schedule follow-up to repeat measurement in 2 weeks
  B. Biopsy the lesion
  C. Obtain skin scraping for dermatophytes
  D. All of the above

Question 2

A patient has a tender, firm, nodular cystic lesion on his scalp that produces cheesy discharge with foul odor. This is most likely a:
 
  A. Bacterial folliculitis
  B. Basal cell carcinoma
  C. Bullous impetigo
  D. Epidermoid cyst

[joewallace]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
In malignant melanoma, there is usually a history of a changing mole or other area of hyperpigmentation. The lesion is usually greater than 0.5 cm in diameter and has notched or irregular edges, irregular pigmentation, and asymmetry of shape. Like other skin disorders, there are variations in appearance, and there should be a high suspicion for melanoma in any changing pigmented skin lesion. Biopsy is diagnostic.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
With an epidermoid cyst, the patient complains of a cystic lesion that produces cheesy discharge with foul odor. The lesion is sometimes tender or painful. The lesion is nodular, round and firm, and subcutaneous; thus, it is flesh colored. The most common sites include the face, scalp, neck, upper trunk, and extremities.

[bio_gurl]

Correct answers!

[joewallace]

Great! Please up vote