Brown, Black, Blue, or Gray Palpable Lesions




(1)
Hôpital Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France

 




Abstract

These lesions are usually isolated and rarely multiple. Although precisely identifying the primary lesion is essential in establishing a differential diagnosis, it is important to note that there is significant overlapping between a papule, a plaque, and a nodule. Indeed, a single disorder can manifest simultaneously or successively as each of these lesions, either through their growth or confluence, or by nature. Since it is vital to diagnose melanoma and other pigmented cancers, a biopsy is indicated in case of the slightest doubt. This situation also requires that clinical examination sometimes be completed by a careful inspection using a magnifier lens or a dermatoscope. The latter may provide additional elements that can help avoid biopsy in some instances. However, histopathological examination remains the “gold standard” for establishing the precise diagnosis of any skin tumor. Certain lesions may have a purple coloration and thus reflect a dermal inflammation (e.g., lichen planus) or an angiomatous proliferation (e.g., Kaposi’s disease). Certain violaceous palpable lesions are angiokeratomas. When they are numerous and distributed over the “underwear” area, they can reflect an overload disease such as Fabry disease, which, if diagnosed early, can be treated by enzyme replacement therapy. Serious renal, cardiac, and/or cerebral complications can thus be avoided.


These lesions are usually isolated and rarely multiple. Although precisely identifying the primary lesion is essential in establishing a differential diagnosis, it is important to note that there is significant overlapping between a papule, a plaque, and a nodule. Indeed, a single disorder can manifest simultaneously or successively as each of these lesions, either through their growth or confluence, or by nature. Since it is vital to diagnose melanoma and other pigmented cancers, a biopsy is indicated in case of the slightest doubt. This situation also requires that clinical examination sometimes be completed by a careful inspection using a magnifier lens or a dermatoscope. The latter may provide additional elements that can help avoid biopsy in some instances. However, histopathological examination remains the “gold standard” for establishing the precise diagnosis of any skin tumor. Certain lesions may have a purple coloration and thus reflect a dermal inflammation (e.g., lichen planus) or an angiomatous proliferation (e.g., Kaposi’s disease). Certain violaceous palpable lesions are angiokeratomas. When they are numerous and distributed over the “underwear” area, they can reflect an overload disease such as Fabry disease, which, if diagnosed early, can be treated by enzyme replacement therapy. Serious renal, cardiac, and/or cerebral complications can thus be avoided.

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Oct 6, 2016 | Posted by in Dermatology | Comments Off on Brown, Black, Blue, or Gray Palpable Lesions

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