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Common skin conditions
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Skin coloured lumps and bumps may be difficult to distinguish one from another. It is helpful to consider body site, location within the skin, size, consistency and morphology. Some common lesions are described here.
First, a reminder about terminology in dermatology.
For each of the twelve cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
Name this skin coloured condition.
Morphoeic basal cell carcinoma
Describe the disorder
This is an invasive tumour, a morphoeic basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which may be ignored by the patient or misdiagnosed as a benign lesion. It increases in size slowly, and may only present when it ulcerates. Morphoeic or sclerosing BCC is best viewed by stretching the surrounding skin to reveal a firm scar-like plaque with an irregular shape. This type of BCC has a high risk of recurrence and may be deeply invasive. They are often situated on or close to eyelids, nose and lips. They should be excised with a wide and deep margin. Where available, Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice.