False "Melanocytic" Parameters Shown by Pigmented Seborrheic Keratoses: A Finding Which is not Uncommon in Dermoscopy

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopic evaluation of pigmented lesions includes assessment of criteria suggestive of melanocytic proliferation. Dermoscopic diagnosis may be hampered when a nonmelanocytic lesion displays one or more melanocytic features. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of misleading dermoscopic features characteristic of melanocytic lesions in pigmented seborrheic keratosis (PSK). METHODS: We evaluated 402 clinically typical PSKs from 138 patients with at least one clinically identifiable PSK. RESULTS: Approximately 10% of PSKs displayed one or more melanocytic features, the most frequent being a "false" pigment network. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of a "false" pigment network in PSK can be misleading in the differential diagnosis of clinically equivocal lesions. A correct diagnosis can only be obtained if all available dermoscopic criteria are appropriately assessed together with the clinical examination.     

Pigmented Bowen's Disease Mimicking Cutaneous Melanoma: Clinical and Dermoscopic Aspects

Background. Pigmented Bowen's disease (BD) (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) has been rarely described among white patients.
Objective and methods. We report the case of a 48-year-old white male presenting a lesion of pigmented BD on his left thigh, clinically mimicking a superficial spreading melanoma.
Results. Naked-eye physical examination revealed a single 1.8×1.5 cm, hyperpigmented plaque with a rough surface, which appeared irregularly shaped and sharply demarcated. The assessment of this uncommon tumor by means of dermoscopy, never reported in literature before, was performed. According to standardized terminology, none among the well-established dermoscopic criteria useful to discriminate between melanocytic and nonmelanocytic origin was detected within the lesion. A reticular pigmentation simulated remnants of atypical pigment network, being of uncertain diagnostic value in the preoperative classification of the lesion. Other recognized patterns were irregular, brown globular structures and wide regression-like areas. None of the features diagnostic for pigmented basal cell carcinoma was found as well.
Conclusion. The correct classification of nonmelanocytic origin of the lesion was therefore achieved only at histologic examination, after the complete surgical excision. In spite of its rarity, pigmented BD should be included among those lesions, which may simulate cutaneous melanoma. According to criteria validated by literature, dermoscopy failed to improve a preoperative classification of this peculiar skin tumor.     

Dermoscopy of Subcorneal Hematoma

BACKGROUND: Subcorneal hematoma is a pigmented skin lesion usually occurring on palms or soles after a trauma or sport activity. Clinically, it may exhibit overlapping features with acral melanoma or acral melanocytic nevi, leading to unnecessary excision of this otherwise harmless skin lesion. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the dermoscopic features in a series of subcorneal hematomas. METHODS: Dermoscopic images of 15 subcorneal hematomas were evaluated for the presence of different colors and dermoscopic structures. RESULTS: In our series, a red-black hue was the most frequent color seen by dermoscopy (40% of the lesions) and a homogeneous pattern of pigmentation was the most frequent dermoscopic structure (53.3%). Remarkably, 40% of the lesions exhibited a parallel-ridge pattern that is usually found in early melanoma of palms and soles. In 46.7% of the lesions, red-black globules were additionally seen at the periphery as satellites disconnected from the lesion's body. Only two lesions showed either parallel-furrow or fibrillar pattern. A scratch test performed in four lesions, allowed complete or partial removal of the pigmentation. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopic features of subcorneal hematomas may be similar to those observed in acral melanocytic lesions. Nevertheless, in most cases the correct diagnosis can be facilitated by the presence of a red-black homogeneous pigmentation, often combined with satellite globules. A positive scratch test may be considered as an additional diagnostic clue.     

Melanoacanthoma Simulating Pigmented Spitz Nevus: an Unusual Dermoscopy Pitfall

BACKGROUND: The starburst pattern is the dermoscopic hallmark of pigmented Spitz nevus, although it has been rarely observed in melanoma as well. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of melanoacanthoma simulating pigmented Spitz nevus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic examinations were performed for the occurrence of a 4-mm pigmented skin lesion on the hip of a 38-year-old Caucasian woman. RESULTS: Dermoscopy examination of the lesion disclosed a stereotypical starburst pattern characterized by pigmented streaks symmetrically distributed at the periphery. A preoperative diagnosis of pigmented Spitz nevus was made, and the lesion was excised. However, subsequent histopathologic examination revealed a melanoacanthoma. CONCLUSION: The starburst pattern, although diagnostic for pigmented Spitz nevus, can be rarely observed in other benign or malignant pigmented skin lesions. Accordingly, all lesions in adults exhibiting a starburst pattern or other spitzoid features should be excised for histopathologic evaluation.     

Digital Polarized Light Dermoscopy of Clinically Nonpigmented Dermal Nevi

BACKGROUND: Hand-held dermoscopy improves the malignant/benign excision ratio for melanocytic lesions. Much has been described about its use in pigmented lesions; however, the use of dermoscopy in clinically nonpigmented lesions is less well studied. Existing studies have used a combination of traditional immersion dermoscopy and polarized light dermoscopy. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to strictly use digital polarized light dermoscopy for the evaluation of clinically nonpigmented, biopsy-proven dermal nevi. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe the dermoscopic features of clinically nonpigmented, biopsy-proven dermal nevi using digital polarized light images. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The dermoscopic features of 32 histopathologically confirmed, clinically nonpigmented, dermal nevi were evaluated. Images were obtained with a digital camera equipped with an epiluminescence microscopy attachment (polarized light); no liquid interface was used. RESULTS The most frequent dermoscopic feature of 32 clinically nonpigmented, biopsy-proven dermal nevi was brown pigment (78%) followed by white areas (53%), comma-shaped vessels (50%), hair (47%), hairpin vessels (22%), comedolike openings (22%), and dotted vessels, respectively (19%). CONCLUSIONS: The most common dermoscopic features (using polarized light) of clinically nonpigmented, biopsy-proven dermal nevi are brown pigment, white areas, comma-shaped vessels, and hair.     

Focal Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Method for Benign Pigmented Lesions in Dark-Skinned Patients

Background. Benign pigmented lesions, including seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigines, melasma, and freckles, are common disorders, and various treatment modalities have been tried. We suggest a technique consisting of focal trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel applied by pressing firmly onto the focal lesions.
Objective. To evaluate the clinical effects of focal TCA peel on pigmented lesions in dark-skinned patients.
Methods. An analysis was conducted of 106 patients with benign pigmented lesions who were treated using focal TCA peel. Seborrheic keratosis was treated with 65% focal TCA peel, solar lentigines, and freckles with 50% to 65% focal TCA peel, and melasmas with 10% to 50% focal TCA peel. Patients had Fitzpatrick skin types IV–V.
Results. Patient treatment data indicated that 19 of 23 (83%) patients with seborrheic keratosis, 42 of 49 (86%) patients with solar lentigines, 8 of 14 (58%) patients with freckles, and 11 of 20 (55%) patients with melasma experienced a good clinical response. Good satisfaction rates in the seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigines, freckles, and melasma groups were recorded. No significant complications were observed.
Conclusion. The focal TCA peel method presented in this study is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions with no significant complications.     

Noninvasive Imaging of Skin Tumors

In this article, the authors review different approaches to the diagnosis of skin tumors using noninvasive diagnostic tools, which are becoming increasingly reliable and, as a consequence, increasingly popular among physicians and patients. Especially in the realm of pigmented skin lesions, dermoscopy and sonography may add useful information to the clinical constellation, improving the diagnostic performance for early diagnosis of melanoma and for differentiating various melanocytic and nonmelanocytic pigmented lesions. More recently, confocal scanning laser microscopy was introduced as a novel technique that enables the in vivo study of the skin at a nearly histologic resolution, being of diagnostic value in various skin disorders, including basal cell carcinoma and pigmented skin lesions. These modalities have various other potential applications besides diagnosis, including lesion's selection for biopsy, determination of appropriate therapeutic modalities, verification of treatment efficacy, and decision of surgical margins. Finally, a hint to the use of cytodiagnosis for basal cell carcinoma is provided.     

铒激光微剥脱治疗脂溢性角化病63例疗效观察

目的:观察铒激光微剥脱治疗脂溢性角化病的临床疗效。方法:采用铒激光微剥脱治疗脂溢性角化病63例,210个皮损,根据皮损的部位、性质及对激光的反应,选择能量10～12.5J/cm2治疗。结果:63例患者,共计210个皮损,治疗8周后随访,176个皮损痊愈,治愈率83.80%,34个皮损显效,有效率100%,未出现创面感染和瘢痕形成。结论:铒激光微剥脱治疗脂溢性角化病有效且安全。     

Impact of Guidance Provided by a Multispectral Digital Skin Lesion Analysis Device Following Dermoscopy on Decisions to Biopsy Atypical Melanocytic Lesions

Objective: To determine how a multispectral digital skin lesion analysis (MSDSLA) device data affects the biopsy performance of dermatologists and non-dermatologist practitioners following clinical and dermoscopic pigmented lesion evaluation. Design: MSDSLA employs near infrared light to image and analyze pigmented skin lesions. MSDSLA generates a “classifier score” based on morphological disorganization. Using a logistical regression model, 1) a probability of being melanoma and, 2) a probability of being melanoma, atypical melanocytic hyperplasia, or a high grade dysplastic nevus is computed. Participants were shown clinical images of 12 lesions (2 melanomas in situ, 3 invasive melanomas, and 7 low grade DNs). They were asked first if they would biopsy the lesion based on clinical images, again after observing dermoscopy images, and once more when presented with MSDSLA probability information. Setting: National dermoscopy conference. Participants: Sixty-four healthcare providers; 30 dermatologists and 34 non-dermatologist practitioners. Measurements: Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, biopsy rates Results: For the 30 dermatologists, sensitivity was 65 percent after clinical evaluation (C) and 65% post-dermoscopy (D) but improved to 91% after MSDSLA. For the 34 non-dermatologist practitioners, sensitivity improved from 66 percent (C) to 70 percent (D) to 95 percent after MSDSLA. With MSDSLA information, dermatologist specificity increased from 40 percent (D) to 58 percent while non-dermatologist practitioners specificity increased from 34 percent (D) to 55 percent. Diagnostic accuracy of malignant and benign lesions decreased for both groups 55 percent (C) to 51 percent (D) for dermatologists and 54 percent (C) to 49 percent (D) for non-dermatologist practitioners. However, diagnostic accuracy increased to 72 percent for dermatologists and 72 percent for non-dermatologist practitioners with MSDSLA data. Non-melanoma biopsy percentages by dermatologists increased from 53 percent (C) to 60 percent (D), but decreased to 42 percent when provided with MSDSLA data. Similarly, non-dermatologist practitioners’ biopsy percentages of nonmelanomas increased from 55 percent (C) to 66 percent (D) and decreased to 45 percent with MSDSLA. Conclusion: Decisions to biopsy atypical melanocytic lesions were more sensitive and specific when MSDSLA information was provided for both dermatologists and nondermatologist practitioners. Both groups were also less likely to biopsy nonmelanomas after MSDSLA evaluation. The authors’ results suggest providing practitioners with MSDSLA data leads to improved biopsy accuracy decreasing the number of nonessential biopsies for nonmelanocytic lesions even after dermoscopic evaluation.Early detection of melanoma improves survival.1 Suspicious pigmented lesions are typically evaluated by clinical examination and sometimes dermoscopy.2 New technologies may provide additional clinically significant information to augment accurate biopsy decisions.3,4This study was designed to determine how information provided by a multispectral digital skin lesion analysis (MSDSLA) device (MelaFind, MELASciences Inc, Irvington, New York)4,5 affects the biopsy decisions of dermatologists and non-dermatologist practitioners (NDPs) following clinical and dermoscopic pigmented skin lesion evaluation. MSDSLA employs visible and near-infrared light (430-950nm) to image lesions up to 2.5mm below the skin surface. MSDSLA then analyzes pigmented lesions across 10 spectral bands using 75 unique analytical algorithms to determine a “classifier score” based on the degree of morphological disorganization. Validated on a database of 1,632 pigmented lesions,5 MSDSLA also provides the probability of an analyzed lesion being melanoma and melanoma, atypical melanocytic hyper¬plasia (AMH) or a high-grade dysplastic nevus (DN) to the clinician.     

Features of Regression in Dermoscopic Diagnosis: A Confounding Factor? Two Clinical, Dermoscopic-Pathologic Case Studies

BACKGROUND: In dermoscopy, the presence of regression areas is generally associated with melanocytic lesions and is often considered a clue of malignancy. However, some lesions included in the differential diagnosis of melanoma may show dermoscopic regression parameters. Regression may indeed be one of the most confounding dermoscopic parameters because it tends to cover, or rather to destroy, other parameters, thus often hindering a correct diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: We propose to raise the issue of the actual diagnostic role of this parameter. METHODS: We discuss two clinical cases (melanoma and basal cell carcinoma) with major dermoscopic regression features. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopic regression parameters should not be regarded as almost pathognomonic signs of melanocytic lesions. Rather, they should be taken into account only after having considered other dermoscopic parameters of greater diagnostic significance and just as signs that may better typify the lesion.     

皮肤基底细胞癌的临床病理分析

目的：通过分析基底细胞癌（BCC）临床病理特点,提高BCC的诊断水平。方法：回顾性研究西南医院皮肤科1990～2006年共203例BCC的临床病理资料。结果：BCC最好发的部位是鼻部和眼周,发病年龄高峰40～49岁,实体型BCC最常见,28.57%的病例临床上被误诊为色素痣、脂溢性角化、恶性黑素瘤等。分析显示日光照射和组织损伤是BCC的重要诱因,而且BCC可发生在色素痣的基础上。结论：由于BCC与一些临床碍容性皮肤肿瘤临床表现相似,容易出现误诊和漏诊,故建议及时作病理检查将有助于早期诊断和治疗。     

Appearance of New Vemurafenib-associated Melanocytic Nevi on Normal-appearing Skin: Case Series and a Review of Changing or New Pigmented Lesions in Patients with Metastatic Malignant Melanoma After Initiating Treatment with Vemurafenib

Background: Vemurafenib, a selective BRAF inhibitor that has antineoplastic activity in patients with unresectable or metastatic malignant melanoma whose tumor harbors a BRAF V600E mutation, has multiple drug-associated cutaneous adverse effects. Purpose: To provide a detailed and comprehensive review of reported changing or new pigmented lesions in oncology patients who have been treated with vemurafenib. Methods: The new appearance of melanocytic nevi on normal-appearing skin after initiating treatment with vemurafenib is described in two men with metastatic malignant melanoma whose tumors demonstrated a BRAF V600E mutation. Using the PubMed database, an extensive literature search was performed for the following topics: vermurafenib, nevus, nevi, melanoma, pigmented lesion, cutaneous, adverse effect, side effect. The results of the search were used to secure all reports of new or changing pigmented lesions after initiating treatment with vemurafenib. Results: Vemurafenib is associated with both changes in existing pigmented lesions (including involution, alteration of color and size, and progression to melanoma) and the onset of new melanocytic lesions—nevi (in 5 patients) and primary melanomas (in 2 patients). Visual examination, dermoscopic evaluation, and reflectance confocal microscopy have been used to document the changes in existing or new melanocytic lesions subsequent to initiating treatment with vermurafenib. Histopathology analysis has shown these lesions to usually be either dysplastic nevi or new primary melanomas. Conclusion: Vemurafenib-treated patients can develop new pigmented lesions (such as nevi) and/or morphological changes in their existing melanocytic lesions (such as involution, increase in size, or alternation of color). In addition, they can develop new primary malignant melanomas that either occur de novo on normal-appearing skin or develop in pre-existing melanocytic lesions. Therefore, total body skin examination should be considered prior to initiating treatment with vemurafenib. Regularly scheduled follow-up skin examinations are also recommended for patients while they are receiving this drug. In addition, for patients who are being treated with vemurafenib, either dermoscopic or photographic or visual modalities should be used to evaluate new or changing pigmented lesions. Also, biopsy for histopathology should be considered for vemurafenib-treated patients who develop new pigmented lesions or whose existing melanocytic lesions have morphological changes in size or color.Vemurafinib is a selective BRAF inhibitor that was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 17, 2011, as a first-line single agent for the treatment of individuals with unresectable or metastatic malignant melanoma whose tumors demonstrated a BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.1-4 Clinical trials have demonstrated improved survival in patients with either previously untreated or treated BRAF V600E mutant metastatic malignant melanoma.5,6 The authors describe two men with metastatic malignant melanoma for which their tumor genotype demonstrated BRAF V600E mutation who experience the new onset of nevi after initiating treatment with vemurafenib and discuss changing or new pigmented lesions in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma after starting this molecularly targeted therapy.     

Dermoscopic Features of Mucosal Melanosis

BACKGROUND: Melanosis (lentiginosis, labial melanotic macula) is a benign pigmented lesion of mucosa characterized by pigmentation of basal keratinocytes with melanocytic normal or slightly increased in number. Melanosis, particularly when occurring on genitalia, can clinically mimic mucosal melanoma thus creating concern in both the patient and the physician. OBJECTIVE: In this study dermoscopic features from a series of clinically equivocal (n=11) or clinically typical (n=10) mucosal melanosis were analyzed. METHODS: All the women consecutively seen at the Vulva Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florence, Italy, from May 1, 2002 to June 30, 2002, were examined. RESULTS: Three major dermoscopic patterns were identified: (1) a "structureless" pattern, predominantly found in clinically equivocal vulvar melanosis, with a blue hue, associated with the presence of melanophages in the upper dermis, present in the majority of these lesions; (2) a "parallel pattern," often found in clinically typical melanotyc macules of the lips and penis; and (3) a "reticular-like" pattern associated with clinically equivocal melanosis occurring at peculiar sites such as the areola (all the three cases occurred at that site) or, rarely, on the lip. CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy can play a role in the noninvasive classification of mucosal melanosis. The risk of misclassification with melanoma is probably dependent on dermoscopy pattern shown by the lesion. Prospective studies including early melanomas are needed to establish diagnostic performance of dermoscopy in pigmented lesions of the mucosa.     

Feasibility of a Two-Step Teledermatologic Approach for the Management of Patients with Multiple Pigmented Skin Lesions

BACKGROUND: Recent studies demonstrating accuracy of teledermatology and teledermoscopy in the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions (PSL) have been performed only on PSL previously selected by face-to-face examination. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate the feasibility of teledermatology for the management of individuals exhibiting multiple PSL with a two-step procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first step, remote consultants selected clinically equivocal lesions evaluating a teletransmitted clinical image of patients' backs. In the second step, dermoscopic images of selected lesions were evaluated. Management recommendations of both steps were compared with face-to-face. RESULTS: For a total of 465 PSL in 18 patients, the agreement between the face-to-face and the two remote experts resulted moderate (kappa value, 0.530-0.565) in the first step and substantial (kappa value, 0.681-0.703) in the second step. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are limitations of this pilot experience (population and technical restrictions), our results provide preliminary evidence that a two-step teledermatologic approach may be feasible in managing individuals with multiple PSL.     

Frequency of Seborrheic Keratosis Biopsies in the United States: A Benchmark of Skin Lesion Care Quality and Cost Effectiveness

BACKGROUND: Most seborrheic keratoses may be readily clinically differentiated from skin cancer, but occasional lesions resemble atypical melanocytic neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency, cost, and intensity of procedures performed that result in the removal and histopathologic evaluation of seborrheic keratoses. METHODS: Episodes of surgical removal of lesions that were identified as seborrheic keratoses by histologic identification were determined using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data from 1998 to 1999. These episodes were defined by a histopathology procedure code that is associated with a diagnosis code for seborrheic keratosis. We then identified what procedure(s) generated the histopathology specimen. Biopsy and shave procedures were considered "low intensity," whereas excision and repair procedures were considered "high intensity." RESULTS: Dermatologists managed 85% of all episodes of seborrheic keratoses. Dermatologists managed 89% of seborrheic keratosis episodes using low-intensity procedures compared with 51% by other specialties. For nondermatologists, 46% of the treatment cost (9 million US dollars) to Medicare was generated from high-intensity management compared with 15% by dermatologists (6 million US dollars). CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in the management of suspicious pigmented lesions between dermatologists and other specialists. This affects both the cost and quality of care.     

Acquired Melanocytic Lesions and the Decision to Excise: Role of Color Variegation and Distribution as Assessed by Dermoscopy

BACKGROUND: Because melanoma may sometimes be difficult to differentiate from nevi with clinical atypia, many benign lesions also undergo surgical removal. OBJECTIVE: To assess color type and distribution in dermoscopic melanocytic lesion images and to analyze the influence of color parameters on the diagnostic process and the decision to excise. METHODS: Overall, 603 images, referring to 112 melanomas and 491 nevi, were retrospectively subdivided into four groups: "clearly benign," "follow-up," "dermoscopic atypical nevi," and "dermoscopic melanomas," according to their dermoscopic aspects. The frequency of color type, number, and asymmetry were evaluated on digital images. RESULTS: With respect to lesions not eligible for excision according to dermoscopy (but excised for cosmetic reasons), those excised with a suspicion of malignancy showed a higher number of colors, whose distribution was also more asymmetric. Moreover, the frequency of the presence of black and blue-gray progressively increased from clearly benign lesions to atypical nevi and dermoscopic melanomas. CONCLUSION: In dermoscopic images, color parameters are essential elements for the diagnosis of atypical nevus, which can be differentiated from both a clearly benign lesion and a melanoma. Furthermore, pigmentation asymmetry and the presence of blue-gray represent the main color features, which should lead to the decision to excise.     

Examination of Lesions (Including Dermoscopy) without Contact with the Patient Is Associated with Improper Management in about 30% of Equivocal Melanomas

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, decisions regarding management of a pigmented skin lesion are based on morphologic examination, as well as on anamnestic, emotional, and medicolegal aspects. In some cases, the "ugly duckling" sign may be an indication for excision of a morphologically featureless melanoma. Therefore, examination of pigmented skin lesions based on clinical and dermoscopic images, without contact with the patient, may be associated with a not negligible risk of incorrect lesion management. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we tried to assess to what extent lesion management based on purely morphologic examination diverges from optimal management based on in vivo examination with direct contact with the patient, lesion history, and clinical and dermoscopic evaluation. METHODS: The study included clinical and dermoscopic images of 100 diagnostically equivocal pigmented lesions, including 20 early melanomas and 5 pigmented basal cell carcinomas consecutively referred for surgery; the images were reviewed by six dermatologists who specialize in melanoma screening and were previously trained in dermoscopy. RESULTS: The percentage of melanomas correctly classified was less than 50% both for naked eye and combined examination. Regarding lesion management, only about 70% of malignancies (melanomas and basal cell carcinomas) are correctly referred for surgery by observers. Similar results have been obtained focusing on melanoma (72.5%). CONCLUSION: Facing difficulties in diagnosing pigmented skin tumors, lesion management based on the morphology of the lesion, even including dermoscopic images, but without direct contact with the patient, diverges greatly from the gold standard management established by face-to-face examination and comports a not negligible risk of leaving a melanoma unexcised.