A 30-year-old woman develops a raised, pruritic, erythematous scar extending beyond the original wound boundaries 6 months after a median sternotomy. This is best described as:

• A Keloid — extends beyond original wound boundary ✓
• B Hypertrophic scar — confined to original wound boundary
• C Desmoid tumor — arising from fascial planes
• D Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)

Explanation

A keloid scar is characterized by abnormal fibroproliferation extending beyond the original wound boundaries, unlike hypertrophic scars which remain confined within the wound margins. Keloids are more common in darker-skinned individuals and over the sternum, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back. They do not regress spontaneously. Treatment options include intralesional corticosteroids (first-line), silicone gel sheeting, pressure therapy, and surgical excision combined with radiation or corticosteroid injection to prevent recurrence. Hypertrophic scars may regress over 12–18 months.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.