Lesion with vessels

The FP performed a shave biopsy with a sharp razor blade after using local anesthesia (lidocaine and epinephrine), and pathology confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). While this case of BCC was diagnosed with naked eye examination, dermoscopic examination would have revealed shiny white structures and branching vessels. This would increase the FP’s confidence in a diagnosis of BCC before a biopsy was even performed.

The FP was experienced with skin surgery and performed an elliptical excision with 4 mm margins. The ellipse was oriented horizontally across the patient’s forehead, so that the healing incision would be hidden among her wrinkle lines. A 2-layer closure was employed using absorbable 4-0 Vicryl for the deep sutures and running 5-0 Prolene for the epidermal layer.

At follow-up 6 days later, the incision was healing well without signs of infection and the external sutures were removed. Pathology showed that the margins were clear of tumor. The FP suggested a total body skin exam to make sure there were no other skin cancers in hiding. The patient agreed, and the remainder of the skin exam was clear. The FP also talked to the patient about sun avoidance and protection. A follow-up was scheduled for 6 months later to recheck the skin, since the diagnosis of one BCC increases the risk for additional skin cancers.

Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Smith M. Sebaceous hyperplasia. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013: 931-934.

To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/

You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com

The FP performed a shave biopsy with a sharp razor blade after using local anesthesia (lidocaine and epinephrine), and pathology confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). While this case of BCC was diagnosed with naked eye examination, dermoscopic examination would have revealed shiny white structures and branching vessels. This would increase the FP’s confidence in a diagnosis of BCC before a biopsy was even performed.

The FP was experienced with skin surgery and performed an elliptical excision with 4 mm margins. The ellipse was oriented horizontally across the patient’s forehead, so that the healing incision would be hidden among her wrinkle lines. A 2-layer closure was employed using absorbable 4-0 Vicryl for the deep sutures and running 5-0 Prolene for the epidermal layer.

At follow-up 6 days later, the incision was healing well without signs of infection and the external sutures were removed. Pathology showed that the margins were clear of tumor. The FP suggested a total body skin exam to make sure there were no other skin cancers in hiding. The patient agreed, and the remainder of the skin exam was clear. The FP also talked to the patient about sun avoidance and protection. A follow-up was scheduled for 6 months later to recheck the skin, since the diagnosis of one BCC increases the risk for additional skin cancers.

Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Smith M. Sebaceous hyperplasia. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013: 931-934.

To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/

You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com

The FP performed a shave biopsy with a sharp razor blade after using local anesthesia (lidocaine and epinephrine), and pathology confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). While this case of BCC was diagnosed with naked eye examination, dermoscopic examination would have revealed shiny white structures and branching vessels. This would increase the FP’s confidence in a diagnosis of BCC before a biopsy was even performed.

The FP was experienced with skin surgery and performed an elliptical excision with 4 mm margins. The ellipse was oriented horizontally across the patient’s forehead, so that the healing incision would be hidden among her wrinkle lines. A 2-layer closure was employed using absorbable 4-0 Vicryl for the deep sutures and running 5-0 Prolene for the epidermal layer.

At follow-up 6 days later, the incision was healing well without signs of infection and the external sutures were removed. Pathology showed that the margins were clear of tumor. The FP suggested a total body skin exam to make sure there were no other skin cancers in hiding. The patient agreed, and the remainder of the skin exam was clear. The FP also talked to the patient about sun avoidance and protection. A follow-up was scheduled for 6 months later to recheck the skin, since the diagnosis of one BCC increases the risk for additional skin cancers.

Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Smith M. Sebaceous hyperplasia. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013: 931-934.

To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/

You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com