Differential Diagnosis for Clear Elevated Firm Lesion on Toe

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Keratoacanthoma or Seborrheic Keratosis: These are common benign skin lesions that can appear as firm, elevated growths on the toe, and may have a clear or translucent appearance.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Wart (Verruca): A viral infection causing a firm, elevated lesion, often with a clear or rough appearance.
  • Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, firm, and sometimes clear bumps on the skin.
  • Epidermoid Cyst: A benign cyst that can appear as a firm, elevated lesion and may have a clear or cheesy appearance.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma: Although less common, these skin cancers can present as firm, elevated lesions and may have a clear appearance, especially in their early stages. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Melanoma: A rare but deadly form of skin cancer that can appear as a new or changing mole, and may have a clear or pigmented appearance.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Dermatofibroma: A rare, benign skin growth that can appear as a firm, elevated lesion, but is less common on the toes.
  • Metastatic Lesion: In rare cases, a clear, elevated firm lesion on the toe could be a metastasis from an internal cancer, such as lung or breast cancer.