Problematic lesions in the elderly

Dermatol Clin. 2013 Oct;31(4):549-64, vii-viii. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2013.06.011. Epub 2013 Aug 3.

Abstract

As the population continues to age, clinicians and dermatologists are increasingly faced with geriatric patients presenting with a range of dermatologic manifestations, including benign and malignant skin tumors. Knowledge of epidemiologic and morphologic features, including dermoscopy of common and benign melanocytic and nonmelanocytic skin tumors, provides the basis for a better understanding and management of problematic skin tumors in this age group. This article provides an overview of common and problematic skin lesions in elderly patients and addresses epidemiologic, clinical, and dermoscopic clues that aid the differential diagnosis and management of challenging skin lesions.

Keywords: Dermoscopy; Elderly; Geriatric; Melanoma; Non-melanoma skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Dermoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Dermatoses / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus, Pigmented / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*