Frequency and Clinical and Dermatoscopic Features of Volar and Ungual Pigmented Melanocytic Lesions: A Study in Schoolchildren of Manizales, Colombia

Abstract

In Latin American populations, acral lentiginous melanoma is the prevailing type of melanoma. Its relationship to preexistent benign volar melanocytic lesions has not been established; however, it is common practice to remove these lesions from children in spite of the fact that childhood acral lentiginous melanoma is extremely rare. To determine the frequency and the clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics of acrally located pigmented melanocytic lesions in schoolchildren of Manizales, Colombia, we undertook an exploratory, descriptive study of 1106 schoolchildren in search of pigmented volar and ungual lesions. In the study group there were 680 males and 426 females, ranging in age from 6 to 23 years (median age 13 years). At least one acral pigmented lesion was found in 464 individuals (42%). Their distribution over the volar surface was rather regular. Increasing age and darkness of the skin correlated with an increased number of lesions. Dermatoscopic patterns were consistent and suggestive of union nevus and simple lentigo as the predominant types of melanocytic proliferation. Typical pigmented melanocytic volar skin lesions are very common in our schoolchildren. Removal of these lesions is not routinely recommended since a relationship with acral lentiginous melanoma has not been established.

Improving the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acral Melanocytic Lesions

“…Acral pigmented lesions are more common in skin-of-color patients compared with non-Hispanic whites [1,18]. In fact, the prevalence of palmoplantar nevi is directly correlated with degree of skin pigmentation [1, [18][19][20]. Interestingly, acral nevi in non-Hispanic whites are associated with younger age and are positively correlated with arm nevi density [1,18,21].…”

Pigmented lesions in children: when to worry

“…Pigmentary phenotype can also influence the distribution of nevi. For example, individuals with darkly pigmented skin have a relative predisposition to develop nevi on the palms and soles, which is not related to sun exposure [33].…”

Dermoscopic features of acral melanocytic nevi in Central Anatolian Region of Turkey

“…7 farklı iki çalışmada akral melanositik lezyonlarda fibriler paterni %33 sıklıkla en sık gözlenen ikinci patern ve %12 sıklıkla üçüncü patern olarak saptamışlardır 18 . Fibriler patern Malvehy ve Puig'in 20 çalışmasında %6,2, Jaramillo-Ayerbe ve ark'nın 8 çalışmasında ise %5,6 oranında saptanmıştır. Çalışmamızda volar melanositik lezyonlarda fibriler patern minör paternlerden sayılan globüler, homojen ve retiküler paternlerden daha sık gözlenmemiştir (%4,3).…”