Common Skin Tumors
Skin tumors range from benign growths to life-threatening malignancies. Accurate recognition requires assessment of clinical appearance, growth rate, and borders.
Malignancies: Key Features
| Tumor | Clinical Appearance |
|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Pearly papule, telangiectasia, rolled borders. |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Hyperkeratotic, erythematous, crusting/ulcerating plaque/nodule. |
| Melanoma | Asymmetry, Irregular border, Multiple colors, Diameter > 6mm, Evolving. |
Benign & Premalignant Lesions
- Actinic Keratosis (AK): Premalignant “sandpaper” lesions; precursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
- Seborrheic Keratosis: “Stuck-on” waxy appearance; benign, common in older adults.
- Dermatofibroma: Firm nodule; displays the “dimple sign” when pinched laterally.
High-Yield Exam Pearl:
- ABCDE Criteria: The standard mnemonic for screening suspicious pigmented lesions for Melanoma.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery: The gold standard for facial BCC/SCC to spare healthy tissue while ensuring complete margin clearance.
- Sudden Onset of Multiple SKs: Known as the Leser-Trélat sign; it can be a paraneoplastic indicator of underlying internal malignancy (usually GI).