Which type of lesion is described as a palpable elevated structure that can vary in size?

A nodule is indeed characterized as a palpable elevated structure that can vary in size. It is usually larger than a papule and can extend deeper into the skin. Nodules are solid, raised bumps that can be felt when touched, and they often result from various conditions such as infections, inflammation, or tumors.

In contrast, a papule is generally smaller and less deep than a nodule, typically measuring less than one centimeter in diameter. Crust refers to a dried exudate that forms on the skin surface due to healing lesions, such as scabs from abrasions, and is not a raised structure. A pustule is a type of raised lesion filled with pus, commonly seen in conditions like acne, but it is specifically differentiated by its content and appearance from nodules.

Understanding these distinctions is essential in dermatological assessments, as different lesions may indicate different underlying pathologies.