Final answer:
The physical examination of a skin lesion involves a detailed assessment using criteria such as asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, elevation, firmness, and growth, often aided by tools like a Wood's lamp in clinical settings or biopsies for microorganism identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical examination of a skin lesion is a crucial process in diagnosing skin disorders, some of which may include serious conditions like melanoma. A thorough examination can help in early detection, improving the chances of successful treatment. The examination involves assessing various features of the lesion, such as asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, elevation, firmness, and growth pattern.
For instance, in the diagnosis of early-stage melanoma, physicians use the ABCDE mnemonic for guidance: Asymmetry (where two halves of the mole do not match), irregular Borders, multiple Colors within the lesion, a large Diameter (often larger than a pencil eraser), and Elevation above the skin surface. Firmness to touch and a lesion that is Growing could further indicate a higher risk of skin cancer.
In clinical settings, tools such as a Wood's lamp may be utilized, which emits ultraviolet light to detect fungal infections like ringworm as it causes the affected area to fluoresce. Moreover, a skin biopsy could be conducted to identify the presence of specific microorganisms, such as in the case of suspected tuberculoid leprosy, where the microorganism responsible would be identified through examination of the tissue sample.