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 5

Make a diagnosis

Keratoacanthoma

Outline the clinical features

These are keratinous tumours that may enlarge to a centimetre or more in size over a few weeks, often precipitated by a minor injury. Biologically benign, they may resolve within a few months.
Keratoacanthomas are difficult or impossible to distinguish clinically from well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

What are the treatment options?

Keratoacanthomas should be surgically removed. Shave, curette and electrosurgery are frequently satisfactory and are usually followed by rapid healing and minor scarring. Excision may be preferred.

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