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By Lawrence A. Schiffman, DO, and Stephen
M. Schleicher, MD
May 2005
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CASE:
An obese 59-year-old man presents for evaluation of a bothersome
lesion on his right thigh that is approximately 15 years old.
The man states that the growth occasionally rubs on his undergarments
and he would like it removed. His personal and family histories
are negative for skin cancer. On physical exam, a 5-cm x 6-cm,
flesh-colored, pedunculated nodule is noted on the right intertriginous
groin.
WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
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This was a large acrochordon, otherwise known as a skin tag.
These fibroepithelial polyps are usually seen in individuals
with a large body habitus. They are commonly found on the neck,
axilla, and groin. It is thought that excessive rubbing of the
skin plays a role in their etiology. Small skin tags are readily
treated using electrodessication, but when they are larger,
as in this case, scissors excision under local anesthesia is
the treatment of choice. |
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Dr. Schiffman is a fellow at DermDx Centers
for Dermatology of Northeastern Pennsylvania, headquartered
in Hazelton. Dr. Schleicher is director of DermDx Centers
and a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathic Medicine, at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre,
Pennsylvania, and at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
He is also a member of the EMERGENCY MEDICINE editorial board.
Emerg Med 37(5):29, 2005
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