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What's Your Diagnosis?

An Erythematous Plaque in an 84-Year-Old Woman

  • Answer: Basal Cell Carcinoma

    The diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma was determined via biopsy.

    The patient was referred for Mohs surgery because she met the published appropriate use criteria for having a nodular basal cell larger than 2 cm.1 The criteria take into account multiple factors to determine whether Mohs micrographic surgery is indicated in the treatment of cutaneous neoplasms. These factors include area of body, patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, and size.

    Reference:

    1. AAD/ACMS/ASDSA/ASMS 2012 appropriate use criteria for Mohs micrographic surgery: a report of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2012;38(10):1582-1603.