Nodular amyloidosis: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis refers to a group of depositional diseases that are classified into two main types: systemic and localized. Large nodules of localized cutaneous amyloidosis of the nasal ala and surrounding skin are rare and the treatment is often unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of rapidly enlarging, localized, nodular cutaneous amyloidosis of the nose and the surrounding skin with a brief review of the current literature regarding treatment of this rare disease. CONCLUSION: Nodular amyloidosis can be treated successfully with cold steel excision in combination with carbon dioxide laser. Close followup of these patients is warranted, as nodular amyloidosis may be the precursor to systemic amyloidosis.