Answer to last month's Clinical Quiz

Question:
This elderly gentleman presented to us with a whitish small nodular lesion on the face for 2-3 years. The lesion had been very slowly increasing in size. It was asymptomatic.

Answer:
B. Sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia is a very common condition in the elderly. Its aetiopathogenesis is unknown. It presents with skin coloured to whitish lobulated and umbilicated small nodular lesions on the face of the elderly. It is usually asymptomatic. Multiple lesions are not uncommon. Basal cell carcinoma is an important differential diagnosis. Because of the benign nature of this condition and its lack of malignant potential, treatment may not be required. Excision, CO2 laser or curettage and cauterisation can be used to treat this condition for cosmetic reasons. When the diagnosis is in doubt, excisional biopsy with histological examination is the preferred option.