Dermoscopic features of small size pigmented basal cell carcinomas

• Published in: Journal of dermatology Vol. 43; no. 5; pp. 543 - 546
• Main Authors: Takahashi, Asuka, Hara, Hiroyuki, Aikawa, Miwa, Ochiai, Toyoko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: 3 mm or less; Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - diagnostic imaging; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - pathology; Dermoscopy; Early Diagnosis; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; pigmented basal cell carcinoma; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Skin Pigmentation; small size; early diagnosis; 3 mm or less; small size; pigmented basal cell carcinoma; dermoscopy
• ISSN: 0385-2407; 1346-8138
• DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13173

Dermoscopic images of histologically proven pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCC) were retrospectively assessed to compare the dermoscopic features of BCC of 3 mm or less in diameter (n = 6) with BCC of 4–6 mm in diameter (n = 11). All lesions lacked the presence of a pigment network. BCC with a diameter of 3 mm or less had fewer positive dermoscopic features compared with the 4–6 mm in diameter BCC. Multiple blue‐gray globules and large blue‐gray ovoid nests were frequently present. Dermoscopy is a useful tool for early diagnosis of pigmented BCC, even when they are small.