The relation between dermoscopy and histopathology of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent cancer in fair-skinned populations and dermoscopy is an important, non-invasive technique that aids in the diagnosis of Basal cell carcinoma.OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between histopathological subtypes and dermoscopic features of Basal cell carcinoma.METHODS:This study included 98 patients with clinically and histopathologically confirmed Basal cell carcinomas. The dermoscopic features of the lesions from each patient were analyzed before the histopathological findings were evaluated.RESULTS:Dermoscopic structures were observed in all 98 patients and irregular vascularity was identified in 78 patients (79.6%). The most common vascular pattern was the presence of arborizing vessels (42 patients, 42.9%) followed by arborizing microvessels (21 patients, 21.4%) and short fine telangiectasias (SFTs; 15 patients, 15.3%). White streaks (38 patients, 38.8%), translucency (31 patients, 31.6%), a milky-pink to red background (42 patients, 42.9%), and erosion/ulceration (29 patients, 29.6%) were also observed. Pigmented islands were seen as blue-gray globules (7 patients, 7.1%) and blue-gray ovoid nests (42 patients, 42.9%). The pigment distribution pattern was maple leaf-like areas in 9 patients (9.2 %) and spoke wheel-like areas in 6 patients (6.1%).CONCLUSIONS:Basal cell carcinomas show a wide spectrum of dermoscopic features. Arborizing vessels were the most common dermoscopic findings in Basal cell carcinomas, while superficial Basal cell carcinomas displayed mainly milky-pink to red areas, and arborizing microvessels. The most common dermoscopic features of pigmented types were islands of pigment (blue-gray globules, blue-gray ovoid nests). In conclusion, dermoscopy can be used as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of Basal cell carcinomas and prediction of their histopathological subtypes.

Dermoscopy of basal cell carcinoma

“…). Arborizing vessels are the most typical feature of the nodular subtype, and arborizing vessels together with ulcerations suggest BCCs with a high risk of local recurrence …”

“…Particular dermoscopic criteria characteristic for each BCC subtype have been described. 19 Many of the studies focus mainly on…”

Dermoscopic Features of Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Lower Limbs: A Chameleon!

“…Dermoscopy has significantly increased the accuracy in diagnosing BCC and several specific criteria have been described so far [6]. Furthermore, dermoscopy has also been proven to be useful in BCC subtype prediction, presurgical margin definition, and posttreatment assessment [7][8][9]. To date, only few reports have focused on dermoscopic features of BCC according to body site; in particular, there is a lack of data on BCC located on the lower limbs [10][11][12].…”

Treatment of Actinic Keratoses Facilitates Dermatoscopic Diagnosis of Early Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review

“…Translucency, also called semitranslucency, that can be seen both clinically and dermatoscopically as near-skin-tone colored, smooth, jellylike appearance has been suggested as a dermatoscopic sign of early BCCs measuring only 3–4 mm in diameter [22, 23]. Histologically translucency has been associated with verified nodular and morpheaform types of BCC [13]. Crystalline, also named chrysalis structures or shiny white streaks, represents collagenous stroma and fibrosis in the dermis [27].…”

“…The criteria can be present in different combinations showing the dermatoscopic variability of BCC [12]. More signs and features can be found in the literature but are less commonly used [13]. …”