Question

A male patient presented with a 0.3 cm nodule on the left nasolabial fold. It was excised, and a pathological examination was done. What is the diagnosis?

• A. Basal cell carcinoma
• B. Melanoma
• C. Squamous cell carcinoma
• D. Nevus

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

This case involves a pathological diagnosis based on a clinical examination of a nodule located on the left nasolabial fold of a male patient. Given the options, we need to determine the most likely diagnosis using the typical presentation and characteristics of each condition. Let us evaluate the possibilities:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer and typically presents as a small, slow-growing nodule, often with a pearly or translucent appearance. Basal cell carcinoma commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, which includes the nasolabial fold region.
• Melanoma: A malignancy of melanocytes that presents as a pigmented lesion, generally larger than 0.5 cm in diameter. The asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolving nature of lesions are characteristic features of melanoma. The small size and typical location make melanoma less likely for this presentation.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the second most common form of skin cancer and generally appears as a red, scaly, thickened patch. While it can appear on sun-exposed skin, the description provided does not align well with its common features.
• Nevus: A benign mole or birthmark that is typically uniform in color and shape. Though they can appear anywhere on the skin, the description notes a pathological examination, suggesting a more suspicious lesion than a common nevus.

Given the small size, typical location on the nasolabial fold, and probable histological examination results, basal cell carcinoma is the most likely diagnosis based on the information provided.