Different dermoscopic faces of dermatofibromas.

BACKGROUND: Central white scarlike patch and a delicate pigment network at the periphery is the typical appearance of dermatofibromas on dermoscopy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the different dermoscopic appearances of dermatofibromas. METHODS: Fifty-two dermatofibromas with dermoscopic features different from the classic type, which were detected between May 2003 and July 2005, were evaluated. RESULTS: Globules in the scarlike area (38.5%), linear/irregular crypts (26.9%), lentigo-like reticular pigmentation (23%), homogeneous blue-gray pigmentation (5.9%), and erythematous homogeneous area surrounding the white patch (3.8%) were the patterns observed. In addition, dermoscopic features of an atrophic variant of dermatofibroma are described, which was seen in one lesion (1.9%). LIMITATIONS: None. CONCLUSION: Dermatofibromas have various dermoscopic features. Among them, "linear, irregular crypts" is not unusual and is described in this study. Homogeneous bluish pigmentation on dermoscopy may be a possible clue for the diagnosis of hemosiderotic variants of dermatofibromas.

Dermoscopic findings in Laugier-Hunziker syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Laugier-Hunziker syndrome (LHS) is a rare, acquired mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation often associated with longitudinal melanonychia. The clinical behavior of mucocutaneous pigmented lesions ranges from benign to highly malignant. Therefore, in most cases, the clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by further diagnostic methods. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that has been used to make more accurate diagnoses of pigmented skin lesions. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, the dermoscopic features of the pigmented lesions in LHS have not been described previously. Herein, we report a case of LHS together with its dermoscopic features. OBSERVATIONS: The clinical examination revealed macular hyperpigmentation on the oral and genital mucosa, conjunctiva, and palmoplantar region together with longitudinal melanonychia. Dermoscopic examination of mucosal lesions on the patient's lips and vulva revealed a parallel pattern. Longitudinal homogeneous pigmentation was observed on the toenails. The pigmented macules on the palms and the sole showed a parallel furrow pattern. A skin biopsy sample taken from the labial lesion was compatible with a diagnosis of mucosal melanosis. CONCLUSIONS: By means of this case report, the dermoscopic features of the pigmented lesions in LHS are described for the first time, which facilitates diagnosis with a noninvasive technique. Future reports highlighting the dermoscopic features of this syndrome may simplify the diagnosis of LHS, which is thought to be underdiagnosed.

Atypical melanosis of the foot showing a dermoscopic feature of the parallel ridge pattern.

A 62-year-old male Turkish patient had a pigmented lesion on the sole with a 10-year history. It was an asymmetrical macular lesion with an irregular border and irregular brown pigmentation and had a diameter of 1.2 cm x 1.7 cm. Dermoscopy revealed a parallel ridge pattern and an abrupt cut-off of pigmentation on the upper edge. Histologically lentiginous hyperplasia decorated by innocent melanocytes and scattered melanocytic proliferation with slight to moderate cytological atypia were seen. Atypical melanocytes were very scattered and it was insufficient to call it a melanoma in situ. A second finding was a microvascular proliferation located in the papillary dermis. There was no sign of regression such as fibrous tissue or host reaction. Atypical melanosis of the foot has rarely been reported in the published work, which are from Japan and Korea. This case is presented to emphasize the significance of this rare entity which has recently been reported to be a very early phase of acral melanoma.

Retrospective analysis of results of short-term low dose interferon-α-2b combined with PUVA in the treatment of early stage mycosis fungoides.

Early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) can be treated with different regimens such as oral photo-chemotherapy (Psoralen and UVA-PUVA). There have been some studies showing the effectiveness of combination of interferon (IFN) with PUVA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate retrospectively the patients with early-stage MF treated with IFN + PUVA. Six patients with the diagnosis of early stage (Ia-IIa) MF between June 2003 and May 2005 were enrolled in this study. IFN combined with PUVA was started and followed by IFN maintenance in complete response (CR) patients. Patients achieving CR were followed up at monthly intervals until relapse. Interferon-α-2b was administered at a dose of 3 MU 3 times a week and PUVA was applied 3 times a week. There were 4 female and 2 male patients, aged 32-75 years (mean 54.3 years). Four patients were at stage Ia, one patient at Ib and one patient at stage IIa according to TNM staging. Four of 6 patients (66%) achieved CR and 2 of 6 (33%) achieved partial response (PR). No grade 3-4 side effects due to IFN were detected, and no progression was observed during the treatment. All patients have been under treatment as planned. Low dose of IFN-α-2b plus PUVA was found to be successful in achieving excellent clinical responses in patients with early-stage MF. This treatment modality was very well tolerated.