Basal cell carcinoma, blue-white variant: Dermatoscopic findings in 32 cases.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is histopathological, but there are dermatoscopic criteria that confer high sensitivity and specificity to help the clinician improve its identification. However, the basal cell carcinoma blue-white variant does not totally meet these dermatoscopic criteria, and thus can be confused with other pigmented tumors. In the literature reviewed, we found only five cases of this variant. AIMS: The present objective is to describe the dermatoscopic characteristics of the blue-white variant of basal cell carcinoma observed in a tertiary dermatology institute. METHODS: The dermatoscopy files of patients with a histopathological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 32 cases with blue-white variant of basal cell carcinoma were observed over a period of 10 years. Of these cases, 97% presented dermatoscopic findings not included in the aforementioned criteria, such as whitish septa, structureless white areas, homogenous blue pigmentation and shiny white structures. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size and the retrospective nature of the design. CONCLUSION: We consider it important for dermatologists to know this rare variant of basal cell carcinoma and to familiarize themselves with their dermatoscopic findings, in order to prevent erroneous diagnoses or inadequate treatments.

Dermoscopic features of acral melanocytic nevi in a case series from Mexico

Abstract: Background: Pigmented lesions on acral sites are common; clinical differentiation of nevi and early melanoma can be challenging. In these cases, dermoscopy can provide a more accurate diagnosis. Most dermoscopic patterns on acral skin have been described in Asian and European populations, while there are few studies in Latin American populations. Objectives: To determine the frequency of pigmented lesions in volar skin and their dermoscopic patterns in a Mexican population. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in Hispanic patients with the presence of at least one pigmented lesion on acral skin. Clinical and dermoscopic images were obtained. These were subsequently evaluated independently by two dermatologists trained and experienced in dermoscopy. Results: A total of 582 pigmented lesions on volar skin were diagnosed in 321 patients. Overall, prevalence of acral pigmented lesions on volar skin was 6.8%. For both observers, parallel furrows were the most frequent pattern described, but for observer 2, a lattice-like pattern was prevalent on the toes and a homogeneous pattern on the sides of the feet. There was lower inter-observer agreement, with a kappa index of 0.144. Study limitations: The lesions were not biopsied, so clinical-histological correlation could not be performed. The study did not correlate dermoscopic patterns with age. Conclusions. As previously reported by other authors, parallel furrows were the most frequently found dermoscopic pattern on palmoplantar skin.

Dermoscopic features of acral melanocytic nevi in a case series from Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented lesions on acral sites are common; clinical differentiation of nevi and early melanoma can be challenging. In these cases, dermoscopy can provide a more accurate diagnosis. Most dermoscopic patterns on acral skin have been described in Asian and European populations, while there are few studies in Latin American populations OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of pigmented lesions in volar skin and their dermoscopic patterns in a Mexican population. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in Hispanic patients with the presence of at least one pigmented lesion on acral skin. Clinical and dermoscopic images were obtained. These were subsequently evaluated independently by two dermatologists trained and experienced in dermoscopy RESULTS: A total of 582 pigmented lesions on volar skin were diagnosed in 321 patients. Overall, prevalence of acral pigmented lesions on volar skin was 6.8%. For both observers, parallel furrows were the most frequent pattern described, but for observer 2, a lattice-like pattern was prevalent on the toes and a homogeneous pattern on the sides of the feet. There was lower inter-observer agreement, with a kappa index of 0.144 STUDY LIMITATIONS: The lesions were not biopsied, so clinical-histological correlation could not be performed. The study did not correlate dermoscopic patterns with age CONCLUSIONS: As previously reported by other authors, parallel furrows were the most frequently found dermoscopic pattern on palmoplantar skin

"String of pearls pattern": report of three cases of non clear-cell acanthoma.

The coiled and dotted vessels in a serpiginous arrangement or "string of pearls" is considered a classical vascular pattern associated with clear cell acanthoma. We present three cases of epidermal tumors different from clear cell acanthoma that have the same "string of pearls" vascular pattern. Even though most authors keep considering the "string of pearls" vascular pattern an almost pathognomonic sign of clear-cell acanthoma, the cases presented here suggest that some other epidermal tumors can also show this pattern.

"String of pearls pattern": report of three cases of non clear-cell acanthoma

Abstract The coiled and dotted vessels in a serpiginous arrangement or "string of pearls" is considered a classical vascular pattern associated with clear cell acanthoma. We present three cases of epidermal tumors different from clear cell acanthoma that have the same "string of pearls" vascular pattern. Even though most authors keep considering the "string of pearls" vascular pattern an almost pathognomonic sign of clear-cell acanthoma, the cases presented here suggest that some other epidermal tumors can also show this pattern.