Keywords

Teledermatology, Benign Lesion, Diagnosis, Dermatofibroma

 

Authors

  1. Jacob, Sharon E.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Teledermatology is a term to describe the provision of dermatologic medical services through telecommunication technology. In this modality, there is transfer of medical information electronically (including history and visual data) on a patient in one location to a provider who is in another location. The construct of this column is such that cases are presented in a standardized teledermatology reader format. This is a case of an invaginating brown spot on the thigh.

 

Article Content

TELEDERMATOLOGY READER REPORT

HISTORY

Chief complaint: presenting for diagnosis of a lesion.

 

History of present illness: A 36-year-old man presents with "a brown smooth bump" on his thigh that he states he believes formed after a mosquito bite, 2 years ago. He attempted to squeeze the lesion and noted it disappeared. He does not feel it has changed since he first noticed it. Prior treatment: none. His primary symptom: none. Prior biopsy: none. He has no personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma. Other significant laboratory/study findings: none.

 

IMAGE QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Satisfactory with suggestions for improvement. The retraction of the lesion, seen in the image, is an important find; however, provision of an accompanying nonmanipulated lesion would be preferred.

 

TELEDERMATOLOGY IMAGING READER REPORT

One image was provided that shows an invaginated papule on compression (see Figure 1).

  
Figure 1 - Click to enlarge in new windowFIGURE 1. Papule showing the "dimple sign."

INTERPRETATION OF IMAGES

Lesion A

Findings

The presented lesion and history are most consistent with the diagnosis of a dermatofibroma. Notably, the central depression is consistent with the pathognomic "dimple sign."

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Skin Care and Treatment Recommendations

Reassurance.

 

RECOMMENDED FOLLOW-UP

Type of visit

Return to primary provider for reassurance that this lesion is benign. It is recommended that the patient be reevaluated should there be a significant change in the border, color, shape, or size of the lesion or if it should become symptomatic.

 

CLINICAL PEARL

Superficial benign fibrous histiocytomas (dermatofibromas) are a common cutaneous lesion that occur more frequently in women, for which the etiology is unknown. They have a predilection for the lower legs and are generally asymptomatic and solitary. In general, removal is not recommended unless they are symptomatic (e.g., pruritic or painful) or if there is diagnostic uncertainty. If the lesion is cosmetically bothersome, it can be removed with an excisional biopsy, which will result in a scar. A shave biopsy can be helpful diagnostically but carries a higher risk of recurrence.

 

A multiple eruptive variant has been reported in some patients with alteration in their immune status, for example, HIV infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, leukemia, and Crohn's disease, as well as some medications (e.g., antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents; Pierson, 2014).

 

The standardized teledermatology reader report format is available for authors on the submissions Web site and outlined in Table 1.

  
Table 1 - Click to enlarge in new windowTABLE 1 Teledermatology Viewpoint: Column Template

REFERENCE

 

Pierson J. C. (2014). Dermatofibroma. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1056742-overview[Context Link]