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How would you manage this suspected cyst on the back?

Case discussion: A 64-year-old man with a history of skin cancer presents for removal of a growing 'cyst' on his back. What do you think of this lesion?

case discussion
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HealthCert Education
1 minute read

In this week's case discussion, we revisit a submission from Dr Heather Lawson, in which a 64-year-old man presents for the first time, having been sent by his GP for removal of a cyst on his back.

The patient has a personal history of BCC ten years ago, and his father had melanoma. The cyst has been growing over the past six months. Upon examination, Dr Lawson considers it is more solid than cystic.

What are your thoughts on the potential diagnosis?

pt 1 macro

Pt 1 dermo

 

Update

Here is the pathology report and an additional comment from Dr Heather Lawson:

Pathology-result 1 May 2023

"I really thought this was a melanoma. I have seen a 2cm thick spindle cell melanoma before that looked like a cyst to two of the patient's GPs, resulting in a five-month delay in excision. I have researched that dermatofibromas can be up to 15mm wide, but I have never seen one like this before. I did ask the pathologist to recheck, and the diagnosis was the same."

 

Submit your own case

Would you like to obtain advice or share your experience with your colleagues and Dr Terry Harvey in the weekly blog case discussion?

Submit your case here or email details to admin@healthcert.com

 

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Contributing to the Skin Cancer Case Discussion Blog helps meet your annual Performance Review CPD requirement.

  • Submit your own case* = 1 hour CPD (Performance Review)
  • Comment/engage with colleagues’ cases = 0.5 hours CPD (Performance Review)

You can self-record CPD for this blog. Quick Log CPD hours with the RACGP/ACRRM via the usual self-submission process. You will be asked to reflect on what you have learned, and you will require supporting evidence such as a screenshot. For more information, view the: RACGP CPD guide | ACRRM CPD guide

*Case must be published on the blog to qualify.

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