Figure 1
The FP suspected that this was a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma. He leaned toward a BCC because of the pearly border on the edge, but knew that a biopsy diagnosis was needed before planning definitive treatment.
The FP recommended performing a shave biopsy that day. (See the Watch & Learn video on “Shave biopsy.”) After obtaining patient consent, he injected 1% lidocaine with epinephrine and waited for the epinephrine to work. He performed the shave biopsy with a Dermablade, and used a cotton-tipped applicator to vigorously apply aluminum chloride to the site. He used a twisting motion and pressure to achieve hemostasis. The bleeding stopped, and the FP dressed the lesion with petrolatum and some gauze. Dermatopathology revealed a sclerosing BCC.
The FP realized this was an aggressive tumor and referred the patient for Mohs surgery. The surgery required 4 excisions to get clean margins (FIGURE 1B). The usual 4- to 5-mm margins with an elliptical excision would not have removed the full tumor.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Karnes J, Usatine R. Basal cell carcinoma. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:989-998.
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.