nodular basal cell carcinoma

Epidemiology

• 40-60% of basal cell carcinomas (most common type)

Clinical manifestations

• pearly or translucent nodule or papule with arborizing telangiectasias
  • generally occurs as solitary red nodule with telangiectasias, arising on skin with dermatoheliosis
• translucent, flesh colored papule often with telangiectasias overlying the translucent border
• a waxy, pearly appearance may be noted when the overlying skin is stretched
• may have central depression or ulceration with a rolled waxy border
  • ulceration with crusting occurs centrally as the lesion enlarges
• bleeding when washing of shaving may be noted
• may grow rapidly & bleed spontaneously

Diagnostic procedures

• skin biopsy

Differential diagnosis

• sebaceous hyperplasia
• fibrous papule of the nose
• dermal melanocytic nevus
• amelanocytic melanoma
• milium
• chondrodermatitis nodularis*

* only lesion in the differential that also ulcerates

Management

• see basal cell carcinoma

More general terms

• basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Additional terms

• chondrodermatitis nodularis
• dermal melanocytic nevus (basal cell nevus)
• milium