Quiz
Lesions on the ear – 10 cases

This quiz will test your diagnostic skills in diagnosing lesions on the ear.

Accurate diagnosis of lesions on the ear requires a careful history, thorough skin examination in a good light, and sometimes a biopsy. Inflammatory and neoplastic conditions may appear similar, often presenting as scaly or ulcerated plaques or nodules.

For each of the ten cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.

Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.

When you finish the quiz, you can download a certificate.

Case 4

Make a diagnosis

Superficial spreading melanoma

Outline the clinical features

Just as elsewhere, be suspicious of distinctive lesions that are irregular in colour. Take a history – there is often a clear history of progressive enlargement of the lesion over months to years.

What are the treatment options?

Suspicious melanocytic lesions should be excised with a 2-3mm margin. Don't be tempted to do a punch biopsy (unless this completely removes the lesion), as these may miss a malignant focus in a pre-existing naevus or lentigo. Refer patients with large irregular freckles and moles on the ear to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

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