Quiz
Mixed diagnoses – 10 cases (10 of 11)

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 five 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 3

A middle-aged lady is concerned by unsightly dry patches on her arms and lower legs, which have been slowly increasing in number since her mid-thirties. She reports that her older brother has similar lesions. Careful inspection of the lesions reveals each plaque has a slightly elevated scaly border.

What is the name of this disorder?

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis

What is its inheritance pattern?

Autosomal dominant

What management would you recommend?

Careful sun protection may reduce the number of lesions. No curative treatment has been found, but the lesions may occasionally involute spontaneously. A variety of topical therapies may reduce the unsightliness and dryness including emollients, alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, calcipotriol and fluorouracil. Cryotherapy can eradicate individual plaques.

What complication may arise?

Squamous cell carcinoma may arise within the plaques. Patients with disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis may also be prone to basal cell carcinoma.

Mark question

Previous Question Next Question