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Invasive Basal Cell Carcinoma
While it might be tempting to dismiss this as a picker's nodule, lesion's thickness suggested the need for a biopsy, which revealed that the lesion was an infiltrative, invasive basal cell carcinoma. The lesson? Never hesitate to biopsy when the slightest uncertainty exists as to the correct diagnosis.
A 56-year-old man sought medical attention for a nodule on his ear. He admitted to frequently picking at the somewhat eroded lesion. His past medical history was non-contributory.
Key point: While it might be tempting to dismiss this as a picker’s nodule (also known as prurigo nodularis), the palpable thickness of the lesion suggested that a biopsy was in order. The latter revealed that the lesion was, in fact, an infiltrative, invasive basal cell carcinoma.
Treatment: The tumor was removed using Mohs micrographic surgery and the resulting defect was resolved by primary sutured closure.
Note: Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas may mimic benign entities. Never hesitate to perform a skin biopsy when the slightest uncertainty exists as to the correct diagnosis.
Atopic Dermatitis: The Pipeline and Clinical Approaches That Could Transform the Standard of Care
September 24th 2025Patient Care tapped the rich trove of research and expert perspectives from the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis 2025 conference to create a snapshot of the AD care of the future.
