Dermoscopic evaluation of superficial spreading melanoma

Abstract

Background Dermoscopy increases the sensitivity of the diagnosis of melanoma, leading to its early identification and increasing the chances of cure. Objective To describe the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of superficial spreading melanomas, and to detect the differences between in situ and invasive 1-mm thick melanomas. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which dermoscopic images of 58 melanomas, grouped according to their thickness, were evaluated. Results 24 in situ melanomas were evaluated, 28 invasive melanomas with Breslow ≤ 1 mm (0.50 ± 0.22 mm) and six with Breslow > 1 mm (2.35 ± 2.02 mm). In situ melanomas were smaller than invasive melanomas. The most commonly found dermoscopic criteria were asymmetry (84.5%), three or more colors (81.0%), and atypical network (79.3%). A non-specific pattern was more common in in situ melanomas (p = 0.028) and atypical network in invasive melanomas with Breslow 1 mm presented inverted network (p = 0.018). Study limitations The sample was selected by convenience, since it was necessary to have a preoperative photo of the tumor, which may have led to the loss of clinically less significant lesions, as well as those highly suggestive of melanoma. Conclusions Melanomas in early stages showed a more frequent nonspecific pattern and atypical network, while invasive melanomas showed a multicomponent pattern, three or more colors, and an inverted network.

A large superficial spreading melanoma with a secondary growth of fast-growing nodular melanoma: a case report from Syria

“…It can improve the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions [20] . We noticed dermoscopic clues that can assist in the recognition of SSM such as: Atypical pigmented network, asymmetric radial streaks, blue-white veil, irregular blotches, and milky-red area [6,20] . Anyhow, the dermoscopic recognition of NM is challenging because the tumor may lack the typical melanoma-specific criteria [20] .…”

“…Dermoscopy is a noninvasive procedure that we use to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of skin tumors [6] . It can improve the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions [20] .…”

“…NM is the second most common subtype, following SSM [5] . Dermoscopy increases the sensitivity of the diagnosis of CM [6] . Nevertheless, the biopsy is still necessary to confirm the histologic diagnosis [7] .…”

Prognostic model for predicting overall and cancer-specific survival among patients with superficial spreading melanoma: A SEER based study

“…In the diagnosis of melanoma, early identification, timely detection and rapid treatment are critical to reduce melanoma incidence and mortality. [ 27 ] Compared to other cancers, SSM has the advantage of skin locations, which allows early detection by dermal mirror and biopsy. However, the results in our data show that there are still many patients who do not belong to the first primary melanoma population, and the prediction of OS and CSS in such patients is lower than that in patients with SSM as the first tumor diagnosis.…”

Histopathological Characteristics of Cutaneous Melanoma in Isfahan, Iran, from 2013 to 2018

“…This subtype is the most likely to be related to a pre-existing nevus. Furthermore, SSM can appear in any anatomic site, but it is more prevalent in men's back and women's lower extremities [ 5 ]. Nodular melanoma is the second most prevalent subtype, which frequently presents a uniform color or amelanotic hue, symmetric borders, and relatively small diameters.…”