Idea Exchange: Weekly photos illustrate gradual changes in masses

Whenever I see a patient with a suspected benign skin mass that will not be immediately biopsied, I recommend that the owner take a weekly picture of the mass with a ruler underneath it. Gradual change is often unnoticed, but this weekly photo provides an objective way to determine whether the mass is growing or shrinking. It is especially useful for those owners who want to try a benign-neglect approach. Since most owners have a camera on their phones or digital cameras, it is usually easy for them to comply. 

Andrew G. Smith, DVM

East Ridge, Tennessee