7/14/09: Looks can be deceiving…

We got the pathology report back for “Mr. High Risk” (see “6/29/09: Dimples aren’t always good”) which was a little surprising. Turns out our presumed squamous cell carcinoma from physical exam and history turns out to be nothing more than an itchy spot. “Lichen simplex chronicus,” read the pathology report. Going back to my trusty friend Fitzpatrick (derm book), this condition “results from repetitive rubbing and scratching.” Though Mr. High Risk denies every scratching at this lesion, he may be doing so during his sleep or without consciously realizing what he is doing. The now much relieved “Mr. –used-to-be High Risk” went home with a tube of steroid cream to take away the inflammation and orders not to scratch his leg anymore.