+
Perhaps the most difficult and concerning aspects of the dermatologic physical examination rest on the provider’s ability to evaluate pigmented lesions. Such lesions represent a large portion of visits due to patients’ concerns regarding rapid growth, change in shape, symptoms such as pruritus, or recent bleeding. The following figures highlight the most reliable features in evaluating pigmented lesions, though overlap does exist between characteristic features. When clinical doubt exists, skin biopsy for histopathologic evaluation or referral to a dermatologist is recommended.
++++++++++++++++++++