When this clinical impression is combined with highly anaplastic pathology, misdiagnosis can result in unnecessary and extensive surgery and radiation. Histologically, lesions show a highly atypical and pleomorphic cellular appearance, but they typically respond to simple excision.
Clinicopathologic correlation is essential.
Factors important to consider are lesion location, patient age, histopathologic appearance, and the observation that the tumor arises from the dermis, not the fat. Nodules primarily are located on the head and neck and in sun-exposed areas. In addition, lesions have been reported to occur on the trunk, extremities, and in sun-protected areas. Tumor size increases proportionately with duration of existence but rarely exceeds 3 cm in diameter. Lesion growth typically is rapid, and patients usually seek medical advice within 6 months of onset.