Nodule

Sinónimos

Node.

Definition/Description

Nodule: a firm, elevated, circumscribed, easily palpable and indurate lesion, usually with sharp borders, that is thicker or deeper than the average papule and > 1 cm or plaque; it can involve all skin layers.

More extensive increase in substance of skin.

Colors: skin-colored, brown, red, yellow.

Localization

May appear anywhere on body; can be solitary, localized or disseminated.

Course

May progress to necrosis, ulcer or scar.

Comment / Explanation

Distinction between papule and nodule is by size.

Larger nodule = tumor (benign or malignant cell proliferation).

Typical Dermatoses

Tumor: nodular basal cell carcinoma, nodular melanoma.

Infection: furuncle, abscess.

Inflammatory disease: prurigo, erythema nodosum, sarcoidosis.

Pathophysiology

Benign and malignant cell proliferations (granuloma, tumor).

Inflammation (furuncle, abscess).

1.5 Nodule