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Verrucous papule on thigh
 

A 21-year-old man came into our medical center to have a lesion on his thigh examined. He said the lesion developed a few months earlier at the site of minimal trauma. He noted that, over the previous few months, the lesion had progressively darkened and it bled sporadically. On examination, we noted a solitary 7.5-mm firm, blue-black verrucous papule over the right medial thigh (FIGURES 1A AND 1B). There were no other lesions.

The patient indicated that he had gotten sunburned many times in the past. He also said that he had an aunt who’d had a melanoma. 

FIGURE 1
A lesion that bled sporadically

This papule on the medial aspect of the patient’s right thigh developed after minimal trauma to the area. The lesion had been getting progressively darker.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

 

 

 

Diagnosis: Angiokeratoma

An angiokeratoma is a benign pink-red to blue-black variably sized papule or plaque that is typically 2 to 10 mm in diameter.1 Angiokeratomas are composed of a series of subepidermal dilated capillaries that have a characteristic hyperkeratotic surface and bleed easily.2 These lesions are rare, with a prevalence estimated to be 0.16% in the general population.3

The pathogenesis of angiokeratoma formation is unclear; however, multiple theories exist. The development of these lesions may be related to repeated trauma or friction at a particular site.4 Alternatively, increased venous blood pressure or primary degeneration of vascular elastic tissue could explain their development.5 While their cause is unclear, the initial event in the development of an angiokeratoma is believed to be the development of a vascular ectasia within the papillary dermis. The epidermal reaction appears to be a secondary phenomenon due to increased proliferative capacity on the surface of the vessels.5

The most common form—as seen in this case—is the solitary or sporadic angiokeratoma. It comprises 70% to 83% of all cases of angiokeratomas3 and usually develops on the lower extremities. Angiokeratomas typically arise during the first 2 decades of life,6 and are more common in men.3 Other types of angiokeratomas include angiokeratoma of Mibelli, angiokeratoma of Fordyce, angiokeratoma circumscriptum, and angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry’s disease).7,8

Angiokeratoma of Mibelli is characterized by pink to dark red papules or verrucoid nodules that occur most commonly in men7 and involve the bony prominences, such as the elbows.

Fordyce lesions involve the scrotum or vulva and are usually numerous and related to conditions with elevated venous pressure.

Angiokeratoma circumscriptum usually present as papules that commonly coalesce to form plaques.

Fabry’s disease, or angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, is an X-linked recessive disease related to a deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A. This leads to multiple, variably sized angiokeratomas occurring in childhood that are concentrated between the umbilicus and the knees. This disease invariably leads to involvement of other organs, which may result in renal failure, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accidents.1,7

 

 

 

A mimicker of melanoma
An angiokeratoma is an uncommon, though important, mimicker of melanoma. (For more on other lesions that can be confused with melanoma, see “Nonmelanocytic melanoma mimickers”.)

Melanoma is the most aggressive and potentially life-threatening neoplasm in the differential diagnosis of an angiokeratoma. Risk factors for melanoma include increasing age, fair skin and hair color, tendency for freckling, number of moles (5 large or >50 small nevi doubles the risk of melanoma), a personal or first-degree family history of melanoma, and a history of intermittent sunburns.9-12

Nonmelanocytic melanoma mimickers

A number of nonmelanocytic lesions can be confused with melanoma. They include the following:

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are a type of keratinocytic neoplasm that typically develops on the sun-exposed skin of the elderly. An AK is typically 3 to 10 mm in size, pink to red in color, and has scaling secondary to local hyperkeratosis. If these lesions are left untreated, they can develop into squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) at a rate of 0.24% annually.15,16 Thus, AKs are more often a concern for SCC than for melanoma. However, the pigmented variant of an AK can clinically and histologically raise concern for melanoma due to its pigmentation and microscopic evidence of melanin within keratinocytes and macrophages.15 If it is not possible to differentiate an AK from melanoma clinically or histologically, immunohistochemistry is often required to make the final diagnosis. For example, immunohistochemical staining with S-100 can be used to identify epidermal melanocytes and distinguish them from atypical keratinocytes.17

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer.18 While most BCCs are amelanocytic, 7% of BCCs are pigmented and present as irregularly pigmented nodules with irregular telangiectatic vessels on their surface. The center of a BCC may be depressed or ulcerated and may easily crust or bleed. Definitive diagnosis may be made histologically. A BCC typically consists of columns of basaloid cells with atypical nuclei, sparse cytoplasm, and peripheral cellular palisading.19 BCCs are easily differentiated from melanoma using immunohistochemistry, as they are negative for traditional melanocytic markers.17

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are among the most common skin lesions and represent a benign proliferation of immature keratinocytes. The appearance of an SK can vary from a smooth peppered appearance to a rough surface that may be irregularly pigmented, dry, and fissured. Given their range of presentation, it is common for SKs to be biopsied to evaluate for melanoma and occasionally BCC.20

Dermatofibromas (DFs) are common benign skin lesions that typically appear as pink-to brown-colored firm nodules that represent a localized response to skin injury and inflammation. DFs are typically 3 to 10 mm in diameter and are most commonly located on the anterior surface of the thigh. Histologic analysis of a DF reveals an acanthotic epidermis with a proliferation of spindle cells in the mid and lower dermis, with capillaries dispersed throughout. A common finding in DFs is the trapping of collagen within the spindle cell at the periphery of the lesion.21

 

 

How to diagnose angiokeratoma

The clinical presentation typically suffices in making the diagnosis of an angiokeratoma. If dermoscopy is performed, the characteristic findings include the presence of scale and purple lacunae13 (FIGURE 2). However, when there is suspicion of melanoma or the clinical diagnosis is in doubt, the entire lesion should be removed (with narrow margins) in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histological findings consist of dilated subepidermal vessels associated with epidermal hyperkeratosis.3

FIGURE 2
A view from the dermatoscope

This image reveals the purple lacunae that are characteristic of an angiokeratoma.

No need to treat, unless there are cosmetic concerns

If the diagnosis is straightforward and a biopsy is not needed, no treatment is necessary because simple angiokeratomas are benign entities. However, treatment may be considered for cosmetic purposes, or to prevent bothersome bleeding. Angiokeratomas may be removed via shave or standard excision, electrodessication and curettage, or destroyed with a laser. For Fabry’s disease, in which numerous angiokeratomas pose a cosmetic concern, laser therapy, including the use of an argon, copper, Nd:Yag, KTP 532-nm, or Candela V-beam laser, is preferred.14

In our patient’s case, we performed a 2-mm punch biopsy, which revealed that the lesion was an angiokeratoma. It was subsequently removed by shave biopsy with clear margins.

CORRESPONDENCE
Thomas M. Beachkofsky, MD, Capt, USAF, MC, Department of the Air Force, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 59 MDW/SG05D/ Dermatology, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Suite 1, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-9908; tbeachkofsky@yahoo.com

References

1. Karen JK, Hale EK, Ma L. Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum. Dermatol Online J. [Internet]. 2005;11:8. Available at: http://dermatology.cdlib.org/114/NYU/NYUtexts/0419054.html. Accessed September 24, 2010.

2. Schiller PI, Itin PH. Angiokeratomas: an update. Dermatology. 1996;193:275-282.

3. Zaballos P, Dauft C, Puig S, et al. Dermoscopy of solitary angiokeratomas: a morphological study. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:318-325.

4. Kim JH, Nam TS, Kim SH. Solitary angiokeratoma developed in one area of lymphangioma circumscriptum. J Korean Med Sci. 1988;3:169-170.

5. Sion-Vardy N, Manor E, Puterman M, et al. Solitary angiokeratoma of the tongue. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2008;13:12-14.

6. Vascular tumors and malformations In: Habif TP, Campbell JL, Dinulos JG, et al, eds. Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. New York, NY: Mosby; 2004:486–487.

7. Leis-Dosil VM, Alijo-Serrano F, Aviles-Izquierdo JA, et al. Angiokeratoma of the glans penis: clinical, histopathological and dermoscopic correlation. Dermatol Online J. [Internet]. 2007;13:19. Available from: http://dermatology.cdlib.org/132/case_presentations/angiokeratoma/dosil.html. Accessed September 24, 2010.

8. Erkek E, Basar MM, Bagci Y, et al. Fordyce angiokeratomas as clues to local venous hypertension. Arch Dermatol. 2005;141:1325-1326.

9. Rager EL, Bridgeford EP, Ollila DW. Cutaneous melanoma: update on prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72:269-276.

10. Chudnovsky Y, Khavari PA, Adams AE. Melanoma genetics and the development of rational therapeutics. J Clin Invest. 2005;115:813-824.

11. Ortiz CA, Goodwin JS, Freeman JL. The effect of socioeconomic factors on incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival of cutaneous melanoma. Med Sci Monit. 2005;11:163-172.

12. Abbasi NR, Shaw HM, Rigel DS, et al. Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. JAMA. 2004;292:2771-2776.

13. Johr RH, Soyer P, Argenziano G, et al. Dermoscopy: The Essentials. New York, NY: Mosby; 2007:130.

14. Enjolras O. Vascular malformations. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP, eds. Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2003: 1621–1622.

15. Peris K, Micantonio T, Piccolo D, et al. Dermoscopic features of actinic keratosis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2007;5:970-976.

16. McIntyre WJ, Downs MR, Bedwell SA. Treatment options for actinic keratosis. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:667-671.

17. Kamil ZS, Tong LC, Habeeb AA, et al. Non-melanocytic mimics of melanoma: part 1: intraepidermal mimics. J Clin Pathol. 2009;62:120-127.

18. Wong CS, Strange RC, Lear JT. Basal cell carcinoma. BMJ. 2003;327:794-798.

19. Menzies SW. Dermoscopy of pigmented basal cell carcinoma. Clin Dermatol. 2002;20:268-269.

20. Braun RP, Rabinovitz H, Oliviero M, et al. Dermoscopic diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis. Clin Dermatol. 2002;20:270-272.

21. Agero AL, Taliercio S, Dusza SW, et al. Conventional and polarized dermoscopy features of dermatofibroma. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:1431-1437.

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Author and Disclosure Information

Sarah M. Clark, MD
ABW Medical Center, Edwards Airforce Base, Calif

Thomas M. Beachkofsky, MD
Oliver J. Wisco, DO, FAAD
Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Airforce Base, Tex
tbeachkofsky@ yahoo.com

Darryl S. Hodson, MD, FAAD
Skin Surgery Center, Winston-Salem, NC

DEPARTMENT EDITOR
Richard P. Usatine, MD
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.

Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 59(11)
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645-648
Legacy Keywords
Sarah M. Clark;MD; sun exposure; trauma; angiokeratoma; degeneration; friction; epidermal reaction
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Author and Disclosure Information

Sarah M. Clark, MD
ABW Medical Center, Edwards Airforce Base, Calif

Thomas M. Beachkofsky, MD
Oliver J. Wisco, DO, FAAD
Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Airforce Base, Tex
tbeachkofsky@ yahoo.com

Darryl S. Hodson, MD, FAAD
Skin Surgery Center, Winston-Salem, NC

DEPARTMENT EDITOR
Richard P. Usatine, MD
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.

Author and Disclosure Information

Sarah M. Clark, MD
ABW Medical Center, Edwards Airforce Base, Calif

Thomas M. Beachkofsky, MD
Oliver J. Wisco, DO, FAAD
Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Airforce Base, Tex
tbeachkofsky@ yahoo.com

Darryl S. Hodson, MD, FAAD
Skin Surgery Center, Winston-Salem, NC

DEPARTMENT EDITOR
Richard P. Usatine, MD
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.

Article PDF
Article PDF
 

A 21-year-old man came into our medical center to have a lesion on his thigh examined. He said the lesion developed a few months earlier at the site of minimal trauma. He noted that, over the previous few months, the lesion had progressively darkened and it bled sporadically. On examination, we noted a solitary 7.5-mm firm, blue-black verrucous papule over the right medial thigh (FIGURES 1A AND 1B). There were no other lesions.

The patient indicated that he had gotten sunburned many times in the past. He also said that he had an aunt who’d had a melanoma. 

FIGURE 1
A lesion that bled sporadically

This papule on the medial aspect of the patient’s right thigh developed after minimal trauma to the area. The lesion had been getting progressively darker.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

 

 

 

Diagnosis: Angiokeratoma

An angiokeratoma is a benign pink-red to blue-black variably sized papule or plaque that is typically 2 to 10 mm in diameter.1 Angiokeratomas are composed of a series of subepidermal dilated capillaries that have a characteristic hyperkeratotic surface and bleed easily.2 These lesions are rare, with a prevalence estimated to be 0.16% in the general population.3

The pathogenesis of angiokeratoma formation is unclear; however, multiple theories exist. The development of these lesions may be related to repeated trauma or friction at a particular site.4 Alternatively, increased venous blood pressure or primary degeneration of vascular elastic tissue could explain their development.5 While their cause is unclear, the initial event in the development of an angiokeratoma is believed to be the development of a vascular ectasia within the papillary dermis. The epidermal reaction appears to be a secondary phenomenon due to increased proliferative capacity on the surface of the vessels.5

The most common form—as seen in this case—is the solitary or sporadic angiokeratoma. It comprises 70% to 83% of all cases of angiokeratomas3 and usually develops on the lower extremities. Angiokeratomas typically arise during the first 2 decades of life,6 and are more common in men.3 Other types of angiokeratomas include angiokeratoma of Mibelli, angiokeratoma of Fordyce, angiokeratoma circumscriptum, and angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry’s disease).7,8

Angiokeratoma of Mibelli is characterized by pink to dark red papules or verrucoid nodules that occur most commonly in men7 and involve the bony prominences, such as the elbows.

Fordyce lesions involve the scrotum or vulva and are usually numerous and related to conditions with elevated venous pressure.

Angiokeratoma circumscriptum usually present as papules that commonly coalesce to form plaques.

Fabry’s disease, or angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, is an X-linked recessive disease related to a deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A. This leads to multiple, variably sized angiokeratomas occurring in childhood that are concentrated between the umbilicus and the knees. This disease invariably leads to involvement of other organs, which may result in renal failure, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accidents.1,7

 

 

 

A mimicker of melanoma
An angiokeratoma is an uncommon, though important, mimicker of melanoma. (For more on other lesions that can be confused with melanoma, see “Nonmelanocytic melanoma mimickers”.)

Melanoma is the most aggressive and potentially life-threatening neoplasm in the differential diagnosis of an angiokeratoma. Risk factors for melanoma include increasing age, fair skin and hair color, tendency for freckling, number of moles (5 large or >50 small nevi doubles the risk of melanoma), a personal or first-degree family history of melanoma, and a history of intermittent sunburns.9-12

Nonmelanocytic melanoma mimickers

A number of nonmelanocytic lesions can be confused with melanoma. They include the following:

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are a type of keratinocytic neoplasm that typically develops on the sun-exposed skin of the elderly. An AK is typically 3 to 10 mm in size, pink to red in color, and has scaling secondary to local hyperkeratosis. If these lesions are left untreated, they can develop into squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) at a rate of 0.24% annually.15,16 Thus, AKs are more often a concern for SCC than for melanoma. However, the pigmented variant of an AK can clinically and histologically raise concern for melanoma due to its pigmentation and microscopic evidence of melanin within keratinocytes and macrophages.15 If it is not possible to differentiate an AK from melanoma clinically or histologically, immunohistochemistry is often required to make the final diagnosis. For example, immunohistochemical staining with S-100 can be used to identify epidermal melanocytes and distinguish them from atypical keratinocytes.17

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer.18 While most BCCs are amelanocytic, 7% of BCCs are pigmented and present as irregularly pigmented nodules with irregular telangiectatic vessels on their surface. The center of a BCC may be depressed or ulcerated and may easily crust or bleed. Definitive diagnosis may be made histologically. A BCC typically consists of columns of basaloid cells with atypical nuclei, sparse cytoplasm, and peripheral cellular palisading.19 BCCs are easily differentiated from melanoma using immunohistochemistry, as they are negative for traditional melanocytic markers.17

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are among the most common skin lesions and represent a benign proliferation of immature keratinocytes. The appearance of an SK can vary from a smooth peppered appearance to a rough surface that may be irregularly pigmented, dry, and fissured. Given their range of presentation, it is common for SKs to be biopsied to evaluate for melanoma and occasionally BCC.20

Dermatofibromas (DFs) are common benign skin lesions that typically appear as pink-to brown-colored firm nodules that represent a localized response to skin injury and inflammation. DFs are typically 3 to 10 mm in diameter and are most commonly located on the anterior surface of the thigh. Histologic analysis of a DF reveals an acanthotic epidermis with a proliferation of spindle cells in the mid and lower dermis, with capillaries dispersed throughout. A common finding in DFs is the trapping of collagen within the spindle cell at the periphery of the lesion.21

 

 

How to diagnose angiokeratoma

The clinical presentation typically suffices in making the diagnosis of an angiokeratoma. If dermoscopy is performed, the characteristic findings include the presence of scale and purple lacunae13 (FIGURE 2). However, when there is suspicion of melanoma or the clinical diagnosis is in doubt, the entire lesion should be removed (with narrow margins) in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histological findings consist of dilated subepidermal vessels associated with epidermal hyperkeratosis.3

FIGURE 2
A view from the dermatoscope

This image reveals the purple lacunae that are characteristic of an angiokeratoma.

No need to treat, unless there are cosmetic concerns

If the diagnosis is straightforward and a biopsy is not needed, no treatment is necessary because simple angiokeratomas are benign entities. However, treatment may be considered for cosmetic purposes, or to prevent bothersome bleeding. Angiokeratomas may be removed via shave or standard excision, electrodessication and curettage, or destroyed with a laser. For Fabry’s disease, in which numerous angiokeratomas pose a cosmetic concern, laser therapy, including the use of an argon, copper, Nd:Yag, KTP 532-nm, or Candela V-beam laser, is preferred.14

In our patient’s case, we performed a 2-mm punch biopsy, which revealed that the lesion was an angiokeratoma. It was subsequently removed by shave biopsy with clear margins.

CORRESPONDENCE
Thomas M. Beachkofsky, MD, Capt, USAF, MC, Department of the Air Force, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 59 MDW/SG05D/ Dermatology, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Suite 1, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-9908; tbeachkofsky@yahoo.com

 

A 21-year-old man came into our medical center to have a lesion on his thigh examined. He said the lesion developed a few months earlier at the site of minimal trauma. He noted that, over the previous few months, the lesion had progressively darkened and it bled sporadically. On examination, we noted a solitary 7.5-mm firm, blue-black verrucous papule over the right medial thigh (FIGURES 1A AND 1B). There were no other lesions.

The patient indicated that he had gotten sunburned many times in the past. He also said that he had an aunt who’d had a melanoma. 

FIGURE 1
A lesion that bled sporadically

This papule on the medial aspect of the patient’s right thigh developed after minimal trauma to the area. The lesion had been getting progressively darker.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

 

 

 

Diagnosis: Angiokeratoma

An angiokeratoma is a benign pink-red to blue-black variably sized papule or plaque that is typically 2 to 10 mm in diameter.1 Angiokeratomas are composed of a series of subepidermal dilated capillaries that have a characteristic hyperkeratotic surface and bleed easily.2 These lesions are rare, with a prevalence estimated to be 0.16% in the general population.3

The pathogenesis of angiokeratoma formation is unclear; however, multiple theories exist. The development of these lesions may be related to repeated trauma or friction at a particular site.4 Alternatively, increased venous blood pressure or primary degeneration of vascular elastic tissue could explain their development.5 While their cause is unclear, the initial event in the development of an angiokeratoma is believed to be the development of a vascular ectasia within the papillary dermis. The epidermal reaction appears to be a secondary phenomenon due to increased proliferative capacity on the surface of the vessels.5

The most common form—as seen in this case—is the solitary or sporadic angiokeratoma. It comprises 70% to 83% of all cases of angiokeratomas3 and usually develops on the lower extremities. Angiokeratomas typically arise during the first 2 decades of life,6 and are more common in men.3 Other types of angiokeratomas include angiokeratoma of Mibelli, angiokeratoma of Fordyce, angiokeratoma circumscriptum, and angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry’s disease).7,8

Angiokeratoma of Mibelli is characterized by pink to dark red papules or verrucoid nodules that occur most commonly in men7 and involve the bony prominences, such as the elbows.

Fordyce lesions involve the scrotum or vulva and are usually numerous and related to conditions with elevated venous pressure.

Angiokeratoma circumscriptum usually present as papules that commonly coalesce to form plaques.

Fabry’s disease, or angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, is an X-linked recessive disease related to a deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A. This leads to multiple, variably sized angiokeratomas occurring in childhood that are concentrated between the umbilicus and the knees. This disease invariably leads to involvement of other organs, which may result in renal failure, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accidents.1,7

 

 

 

A mimicker of melanoma
An angiokeratoma is an uncommon, though important, mimicker of melanoma. (For more on other lesions that can be confused with melanoma, see “Nonmelanocytic melanoma mimickers”.)

Melanoma is the most aggressive and potentially life-threatening neoplasm in the differential diagnosis of an angiokeratoma. Risk factors for melanoma include increasing age, fair skin and hair color, tendency for freckling, number of moles (5 large or >50 small nevi doubles the risk of melanoma), a personal or first-degree family history of melanoma, and a history of intermittent sunburns.9-12

Nonmelanocytic melanoma mimickers

A number of nonmelanocytic lesions can be confused with melanoma. They include the following:

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are a type of keratinocytic neoplasm that typically develops on the sun-exposed skin of the elderly. An AK is typically 3 to 10 mm in size, pink to red in color, and has scaling secondary to local hyperkeratosis. If these lesions are left untreated, they can develop into squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) at a rate of 0.24% annually.15,16 Thus, AKs are more often a concern for SCC than for melanoma. However, the pigmented variant of an AK can clinically and histologically raise concern for melanoma due to its pigmentation and microscopic evidence of melanin within keratinocytes and macrophages.15 If it is not possible to differentiate an AK from melanoma clinically or histologically, immunohistochemistry is often required to make the final diagnosis. For example, immunohistochemical staining with S-100 can be used to identify epidermal melanocytes and distinguish them from atypical keratinocytes.17

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer.18 While most BCCs are amelanocytic, 7% of BCCs are pigmented and present as irregularly pigmented nodules with irregular telangiectatic vessels on their surface. The center of a BCC may be depressed or ulcerated and may easily crust or bleed. Definitive diagnosis may be made histologically. A BCC typically consists of columns of basaloid cells with atypical nuclei, sparse cytoplasm, and peripheral cellular palisading.19 BCCs are easily differentiated from melanoma using immunohistochemistry, as they are negative for traditional melanocytic markers.17

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are among the most common skin lesions and represent a benign proliferation of immature keratinocytes. The appearance of an SK can vary from a smooth peppered appearance to a rough surface that may be irregularly pigmented, dry, and fissured. Given their range of presentation, it is common for SKs to be biopsied to evaluate for melanoma and occasionally BCC.20

Dermatofibromas (DFs) are common benign skin lesions that typically appear as pink-to brown-colored firm nodules that represent a localized response to skin injury and inflammation. DFs are typically 3 to 10 mm in diameter and are most commonly located on the anterior surface of the thigh. Histologic analysis of a DF reveals an acanthotic epidermis with a proliferation of spindle cells in the mid and lower dermis, with capillaries dispersed throughout. A common finding in DFs is the trapping of collagen within the spindle cell at the periphery of the lesion.21

 

 

How to diagnose angiokeratoma

The clinical presentation typically suffices in making the diagnosis of an angiokeratoma. If dermoscopy is performed, the characteristic findings include the presence of scale and purple lacunae13 (FIGURE 2). However, when there is suspicion of melanoma or the clinical diagnosis is in doubt, the entire lesion should be removed (with narrow margins) in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histological findings consist of dilated subepidermal vessels associated with epidermal hyperkeratosis.3

FIGURE 2
A view from the dermatoscope

This image reveals the purple lacunae that are characteristic of an angiokeratoma.

No need to treat, unless there are cosmetic concerns

If the diagnosis is straightforward and a biopsy is not needed, no treatment is necessary because simple angiokeratomas are benign entities. However, treatment may be considered for cosmetic purposes, or to prevent bothersome bleeding. Angiokeratomas may be removed via shave or standard excision, electrodessication and curettage, or destroyed with a laser. For Fabry’s disease, in which numerous angiokeratomas pose a cosmetic concern, laser therapy, including the use of an argon, copper, Nd:Yag, KTP 532-nm, or Candela V-beam laser, is preferred.14

In our patient’s case, we performed a 2-mm punch biopsy, which revealed that the lesion was an angiokeratoma. It was subsequently removed by shave biopsy with clear margins.

CORRESPONDENCE
Thomas M. Beachkofsky, MD, Capt, USAF, MC, Department of the Air Force, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 59 MDW/SG05D/ Dermatology, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Suite 1, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-9908; tbeachkofsky@yahoo.com

References

1. Karen JK, Hale EK, Ma L. Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum. Dermatol Online J. [Internet]. 2005;11:8. Available at: http://dermatology.cdlib.org/114/NYU/NYUtexts/0419054.html. Accessed September 24, 2010.

2. Schiller PI, Itin PH. Angiokeratomas: an update. Dermatology. 1996;193:275-282.

3. Zaballos P, Dauft C, Puig S, et al. Dermoscopy of solitary angiokeratomas: a morphological study. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:318-325.

4. Kim JH, Nam TS, Kim SH. Solitary angiokeratoma developed in one area of lymphangioma circumscriptum. J Korean Med Sci. 1988;3:169-170.

5. Sion-Vardy N, Manor E, Puterman M, et al. Solitary angiokeratoma of the tongue. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2008;13:12-14.

6. Vascular tumors and malformations In: Habif TP, Campbell JL, Dinulos JG, et al, eds. Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. New York, NY: Mosby; 2004:486–487.

7. Leis-Dosil VM, Alijo-Serrano F, Aviles-Izquierdo JA, et al. Angiokeratoma of the glans penis: clinical, histopathological and dermoscopic correlation. Dermatol Online J. [Internet]. 2007;13:19. Available from: http://dermatology.cdlib.org/132/case_presentations/angiokeratoma/dosil.html. Accessed September 24, 2010.

8. Erkek E, Basar MM, Bagci Y, et al. Fordyce angiokeratomas as clues to local venous hypertension. Arch Dermatol. 2005;141:1325-1326.

9. Rager EL, Bridgeford EP, Ollila DW. Cutaneous melanoma: update on prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72:269-276.

10. Chudnovsky Y, Khavari PA, Adams AE. Melanoma genetics and the development of rational therapeutics. J Clin Invest. 2005;115:813-824.

11. Ortiz CA, Goodwin JS, Freeman JL. The effect of socioeconomic factors on incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival of cutaneous melanoma. Med Sci Monit. 2005;11:163-172.

12. Abbasi NR, Shaw HM, Rigel DS, et al. Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. JAMA. 2004;292:2771-2776.

13. Johr RH, Soyer P, Argenziano G, et al. Dermoscopy: The Essentials. New York, NY: Mosby; 2007:130.

14. Enjolras O. Vascular malformations. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP, eds. Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2003: 1621–1622.

15. Peris K, Micantonio T, Piccolo D, et al. Dermoscopic features of actinic keratosis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2007;5:970-976.

16. McIntyre WJ, Downs MR, Bedwell SA. Treatment options for actinic keratosis. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:667-671.

17. Kamil ZS, Tong LC, Habeeb AA, et al. Non-melanocytic mimics of melanoma: part 1: intraepidermal mimics. J Clin Pathol. 2009;62:120-127.

18. Wong CS, Strange RC, Lear JT. Basal cell carcinoma. BMJ. 2003;327:794-798.

19. Menzies SW. Dermoscopy of pigmented basal cell carcinoma. Clin Dermatol. 2002;20:268-269.

20. Braun RP, Rabinovitz H, Oliviero M, et al. Dermoscopic diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis. Clin Dermatol. 2002;20:270-272.

21. Agero AL, Taliercio S, Dusza SW, et al. Conventional and polarized dermoscopy features of dermatofibroma. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:1431-1437.

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19. Menzies SW. Dermoscopy of pigmented basal cell carcinoma. Clin Dermatol. 2002;20:268-269.

20. Braun RP, Rabinovitz H, Oliviero M, et al. Dermoscopic diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis. Clin Dermatol. 2002;20:270-272.

21. Agero AL, Taliercio S, Dusza SW, et al. Conventional and polarized dermoscopy features of dermatofibroma. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:1431-1437.

Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 59(11)
Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 59(11)
Page Number
645-648
Page Number
645-648
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Verrucous papule on thigh
Display Headline
Verrucous papule on thigh
Legacy Keywords
Sarah M. Clark;MD; sun exposure; trauma; angiokeratoma; degeneration; friction; epidermal reaction
Legacy Keywords
Sarah M. Clark;MD; sun exposure; trauma; angiokeratoma; degeneration; friction; epidermal reaction
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