The FP was concerned that this could be melanoma.
He used his dermatoscope and saw suspicious patterns that included polygonal lines and circle-within-circle patterns. He informed the patient about his concerns for melanoma and discussed the need for a biopsy. After obtaining informed consent, the FP injected the patient’s nose with 1% lidocaine and epinephrine for anesthesia and to prevent bleeding. Remember, it is safe to use injectable epinephrine along with lidocaine when doing surgery on the nose. (See “Biopsies for skin cancer detection: Dispelling the myths”). The FP used a Dermablade to perform a broad shave biopsy, which revealed a lentigo maligna melanoma in situ (also known as lentigo maligna). (See the Watch & Learn video on “Shave biopsy”)
During the follow-up visit, the FP presented the patient with 2 options for treatment: topical imiquimod for 3 months or Mohs surgery. The FP recommended Mohs surgery because the data for topical imiquimod in the treatment of lentigo maligna indicate that it is less effective on the nose than other areas of the face. The patient agreed to surgery, and the FP sent the referral and the photo of the original lesion to the Mohs surgeon. The outcome was good, and the need for ongoing sun safety and regular skin surveillance was explained to the patient.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Karnes J, Usatine R. Melanoma. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al. Color Atlas and Synopsis of Family Medicine, 3rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2019:1112-1123.
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