The prevailing dermoscopic vascular pattern in melanoma is influenced by tumor thickness and pigmentation type.

In non-pigmented skin tumors the diagnosis is mainly based on the evaluation of the vascular morphology and vessels\ub4 distribution dermoscopically [1-4]. However, up to date, no study formally correlated the prevailing vascular morphology with the thickness of melanoma according to Breslow and amount of pigmentation

Integrating the concept of field cancerization in the classification and risk assessment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: proposal for a new classification and terminology of keratinocyte skin cancer.

The term keratinocyte skin cancer (KC) stands as an umbrella for different stages within the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). 1\u20102 Its earliest form is named actinic keratosis (AK), while for the in\u2010situ form different synonyms, namely intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC), Bowen's Diseases (BD) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ [cSCC(Tis)] or intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC) are used.3 Instead, cSCC is histopathologically classified into well, moderately and poorly differentiated subtypes

Pigmented nodular melanoma: the predictive value of dermoscopic features using multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND: Nodular melanoma (NM), representing 10-30% of all melanomas, plays a major role in global mortality related to melanoma. Nonetheless, the literature on dermoscopy of NM is scanty. OBJECTIVES: To assess odds ratios (ORs) to quantify dermoscopic features of pigmented NM vs. pigmented superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), and pigmented nodular nonmelanocytic and benign melanocytic lesions. METHODS: To assess the presence or absence of global patterns and dermoscopic criteria, digitized images of 457 pigmented skin lesions from patients with a histopathological diagnosis of NM (n = 75), SSM (n = 93), and nodular nonmelanocytic and benign melanocytic lesions (n = 289; namely, 39 basal cell carcinomas, 85 seborrhoeic keratoses, 81 blue naevi, and 84 compound/dermal naevi) were retrospectively collected and blindly evaluated by three observers. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that ulceration (OR 4.07), homogeneous disorganized pattern (OR 10.76), and homogeneous blue pigmented structureless areas (OR 2.37) were significantly independent prognostic factors for NM vs. SSM. Multivariate analysis of dermoscopic features of NM vs. nonmelanocytic and benign melanocytic lesions showed that the positive correlating features leading to a significantly increased risk of NM were asymmetric pigmentation (OR 6.70), blue-black pigmented areas (OR 7.15), homogeneous disorganized pattern (OR 9.62), a combination of polymorphous vessels and milky-red globules/areas (OR 23.65), and polymorphous vessels combined with homogeneous red areas (OR 33.88). CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy may be helpful in improving the recognition of pigmented NM by revealing asymmetric pigmentation, blue-black pigmented areas, homogeneous disorganized pattern and abnormal vascular structures, including polymorphous vessels, milky-red globules/areas and homogeneous red areas

Melanoma in Gravidanza

"-

Regression of atypical nevus: An anecdotal dermoscopic observation

BACKGROUND Clark nevi (atypical melanocytic nevi) can be considered as risk markers and potential precursors of melanoma. The authors report on the morphologic changes of an atypical nevus by dermoscopic follow-up examination over a 7-year period. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old man had a brown macule on his back, sized 5 mm, with an irregular shape, clinically and dermoscopically diagnosed as an equivocal melanocytic lesion. Dermoscopically during the initial examination, a predominant reticular pattern with peripheral eccentric hyperpigmentation in the lower portion of the lesion could be seen. After 7 months, the area of peripheral eccentric hyperpigmentation had regressed, and after 4.5 years the atypical pigment network had almost disappeared. After 7 years of follow-up, a diffuse area of hypopigmentation and a residual light brown pigmentation were detectable. The histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with an atypical junctional nevus with regression with features of a Clark nevus. CONCLUSION Based on our observation, even a dermoscopically atypical nevus may undergo regression as documented by long-term dermoscopic follow-up

Il Melanoma \u201cdifficile\u201d in demoscopia. Miniatlante

"-

Dermatoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of primary and metastatic melanoma: Report of a workshop at the Third Research Meeting on Melanoma, Milan, Italy, May 2003

The clinical and histopathological session of the Third Research Meeting on Melanoma, Milan, Italy, held in May 2003, highlighted several key topics, including clinical, dermatoscopic and computer-aided diagnosis and the use of immunohistochemical, immunological and biochemical approaches to diagnosis and monitoring. This report is a brief summary of the main themes covered. (C) 2004 Lippincott Williams Wilkins