A basal cell carcinoma mimicking a sign of rosacea

A 55-year-old Caucasian man presented to a plastic surgeon for the treatment of two lesions on his nose, first a chronic indented area with some telangiectasia on the proximal nasal bridge (Figure 1) and second a hyperkeratotic nodule with central crusting on the ala nasi that developed rapidly over several weeks (Figure 2). The surgeon appropriately diagnosed the ala nasi nodule as a squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma type, but requested an opinion from dermatology for the proximal nasal bridge indentation that he suspected to be a morpheaform or erosive basal cell carcinoma possibly requiring Mohs micrographic surgery. Upon further questioning, the patient revealed that he has had persistent erythema and problems with facial flushing for many years, particularly with alcohol, coffee, and moderate exercise. He infrequently develops papulopustular lesions. Closer clinical inspection revealed a mild erythema, telangiectases, and a hypertrophied nose. He noted that he wore an old heavy pair of glasses every day. He was notified of a coexisting diagnosis of rosacea, and various treatment options were discussed. He was pleased that he would not need any further surgery to his nose.