Nodule: Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.

  • Small blood count
  • Differential blood count
  • Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
  • Urine status (including protein detection) – if vasculitic (“caused by vascular inflammation”) nodules are suspected.
  • Uric acid – if gouty tophi (gouty nodules) is suspected.
  • Infectious serology
  • Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol; triglycerides – eruptive xanthomas (small yellowish-white skin lesions).
  • Rheumatism diagnostics – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (blood sedimentation rate); rheumatoid factor (RF), CCP-AK (cyclic citrulline peptide antibodies), ANA (antinuclear antibodies) – if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected (subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules).
  • Skin biopsy (tissue sampling from the skin).