You're the Doctor
On this page, your get to play doctor. You'll see a picture and be asked to make a decision, perhaps a lifesaving one. Click on the answer you think is right and a new browser window will open with the results. Don't panic! Remain calm! You will not be graded and nobody will know how many you got right or wrong. Just remember, in real life, the insurance company will be watching and if Medicare audits your records and finds that you have been biopsying everything you see and detecting too low a percentage of cancers, you will be fined, and it won't be cheap!
All photos © V.Angeloni MD, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. Please do not reproduce, "borrow" or use these images elsewhere without my permission. DISCLAIMER: The information in this website is offered for education only. Any information provided herein should not be construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment, and is not a substitute for actual medical attention. Always promptly consult your licensed health-care professional for your medical advice and treatment.
1)
An elderly man is brought to your office by his daughter who states the small spot on his nose has been present for about a year, but recently it began to occasionally bleed and crust. After examining him carefully, you tell her
a biopsy is needed (a biopsy means cutting out a piece of the spot to send to the pathologist for evaluation under the microscope)
a topical antibiotic will cure the infection
2)
A man in his early 20's states he has had this mole for about 4 years and it is slowly enlarging. You tell him
removal would be considered "cosmetic" and insurance won't pay for it
3)
This scarlike area near the hairline in this elderly gentleman has been present "as long as he can remember". He can't specifically recall any trauma to that area which would account for a scar. He is fair, burns easily and farmed most of his life.
4)
A 24 year old woman presents with a mole on her leg which has been changing for the past 6-8 months. Mainly she has noted it became larger and developed a darker bump. Your diagnosis is
a benign keratosis called a seborrheic keratosis
5)
A 45 year old male presents for a skin exam without any specific complaints. The lesion pictured above is noted on his right upper back. This probably is
Congratulations! You have completed your first clinic. Stop back soon as this area will be updated with more picures and questions on a monthly basis. For more information on skin cancer, visit the American Academy of Dermatology web site where you can download patient information brochures on moles, skin cancer, melanoma, sunprotection and more...
Also, you can visit the Heartland Dermatology links page to find other sites that offer pictures of melanomas and skin cancers.
The patient information page has a few electronic brochures on sun protection and tanning. I'll be adding skin cancer detection brochures in the near future. -- Dr.A
Page created 9/2/01, updated 9/9/01
