Nodule on the left cheek
The Journal of Family Practice. 2022 January;71(1):39-41 | doi: 10.12788/jfp.0339
January 21, 2022|Family Medicine
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Often mistaken for a cyst or acneiform lesion, this lesion is actually quite aggressive—and worrisome.
The differential is broad, ranging from cysts to melanoma
The differential diagnosis for an enlarging, plum-colored nodule on sun-exposed skin includes an abscess, a ruptured or inflamed epidermoid cyst, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
An abscess is typically tender and expands within a matter of days rather than months.
A cyst can be ruled out by the clinical appearance and lack of an overlying pore.
Basal cell carcinoma can be characterized by a rolled border and central ulceration.
Squamous cell carcinomas often exhibit a verrucous surface with marked hyperkeratosis.
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