An 82-year-old woman presents with a persistent “face sore,” which she ascribed to repeatedly and frequently blowing her nose during a recent upper respiratory infection.

An 82-year-old woman presents with a persistent “face sore,” which she ascribed to repeatedly and frequently blowing her nose during a recent upper respiratory tract infection. However, the respiratory infection had resolved some 2 months before presentation. The patient felt that all she needed was a prescription for a topical or oral antibiotic.
Key point: The history speaks highly against the lesion actually being related to her prior illness. In fact, close examination reveals a thin but distinct rolled and pearly border surrounding the crusted ulceration. A biopsy demonstrated micronodular basal cell carcinoma.
Treatment: The tumor was removed by Mohs micrographic surgery and the resulting defect closed by using several rotation flaps.
Note: This patient, who was mentally intact, exercised a great deal of denial in attributing her neoplasm to the minimal trauma associated with a respiratory infection. Patient denial can lead to considerable delay in medical attention.
FDA Approves Guselkumab for Pediatric Plaque Psoriasis and Active Psoriatic Arthritis
September 30th 2025The FDA has approved guselkumab for children aged 6 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or active psoriatic arthritis, making it the first IL-23 inhibitor authorized for pediatric use.