Non-Invasive Diagnosis of a Facial Tumor Using Dermoscopy and Successful Treatment with 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser

• Published in: Annals of dermatology Vol. 33; no. 3; pp. 275 - 277
• Main Authors: Ahn, Ga Ram, Jeong, Guk Jin, Park, Su Jung, Park, Kui Young, Seo, Seong Jun, Lee, Hae Woong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Korean Dermatological Association; The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology 01.06.2021; 대한피부과학회
• Subjects: Case Report; 피부과학
• ISSN: 1013-9087; 2005-3894
• DOI: 10.5021/ad.2021.33.3.275

Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) is an uncommon, benign epithelial tumor presenting as a well-defined, slow-growing solitary nodule. The diagnosis of CCA is usually based on clinical and histopathological evaluation of the tumor. However, when such type of benign tumor occurs on an exposed area, a biopsy is not always the best diagnostic option since it may leave scar. The recent advent of dermoscopy has offered an accurate and non-invasive method to diagnose CCA without resorting to skin biopsy. A 40-year-old male presented with a shiny, erythematous-to-brown, flattened nodule on the left cheek. Dermoscopic examination revealed a ‘string of pearls’ vascular pattern, a characteristic dermoscopic feature of CCA. Under the clinical and dermoscopic impression of CCA, a 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy targeting the vascular tissue in the superficial dermis of the lesion was chosen for a minimally invasive treatment. After repeated sessions of PDL, an optimal cosmetic outcome was achieved and no recurrence was recorded during the follow-up period. Herein, we report a case of presumed CCA which was successfully diagnosed and treated by utilizing non-invasive modalities.