A 50-year-old male presented with a characteristic lesion on the face for 5 years which is slowly increasing in size and bleeds whenever it is scratched. Patient has a history of chronic sun exposure. There is no evidence of pain or itching over the lesion Biopsy from the lesion. Which of the following drugs are approved for the above condition: – 1. 5-FU 2. Imiquimod 3. Itraconazole 4. Azathioprine 5. Vismodegib
A 50-year-old male presented with a characteristic lesion on the face for 5 years which is slowly increasing in size and bleeds whenever it is scratched. Patient has a history of chronic sun exposure. There is no evidence of pain or itching over the lesion Biopsy from the lesion. Which of the following drugs are approved for the above condition: – 1. 5-FU 2. Imiquimod 3. Itraconazole 4. Azathioprine 5. Vismodegib
💡 Explanation
## **Core Concept**
The patient's presentation suggests a diagnosis of **Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)**, a type of skin cancer strongly associated with **chronic sun exposure**. BCC is characterized by a slowly growing, locally destructive lesion that rarely metastasizes but can cause significant local damage if left untreated.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves drugs approved for the treatment of **Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)**.
- **5-FU (5-Fluorouracil)**: A topical chemotherapeutic agent that interferes with DNA synthesis, specifically used for treating superficial BCC.
- **Imiquimod**: An immune response modifier that stimulates the body's immune system to produce interferon and other cytokines, approved for superficial BCC.
- **Vismodegib**: A **Sonic Hedgehog pathway inhibitor**, used for advanced BCC that is locally advanced or metastatic.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A: Itraconazole** - This is an antifungal medication and not approved for the treatment of BCC.
- **Option B: Azathioprine** - This is an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases, not for BCC.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **Basal Cell Carcinoma** is the most common form of skin cancer and is associated with sun exposure. Treatment options vary based on the subtype and extent of the disease, including surgical and non-surgical approaches like topical treatments (5-FU, Imiquimod) and targeted therapy (Vismodegib).
## **Correct Answer:** **B. 1, 2, 5**
✓ Correct Answer: A. 1, 2 and 5
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