Arborizing Vessels on Dermoscopy in Various Skin Diseases Other Than Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

BackgroundArborizing vessels (AVs) are dermoscopically defined as telangiectasias with distinct treelike branching, and are a characteristic feature of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, AVs are observed in various conditions other than BCC.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate skin diseases showing AV and investigates dermoscopic differences between BCC and non-BCC.MethodsDermoscopic images showing AV were prospectively collected and classified into BCC/non-BCC. Non-BCC was further classified into tumors (benign cystic, benign non-cystic, premalignant, and malignant) and non-tumors. We compared AV focusing, widest diameter of stem vessels, widest diameter ratio of stem vessel to first branch, and number of ramifications between groups.ResultsAmong 124 images, 54.0% were BCC and 46.0% were non-BCC. Non-BCC included epidermal cysts, hypertrophic scars/keloids, intradermal nevi, actinic keratoses, etc. The proportion of focused AV in BCC was significantly higher and the proportion of unfocused AV in BCC was lower than that of premalignant and malignant non-BCC. The widest diameter ratio of stem vessel to first branch was higher in non-BCC. Number of ramifications was significantly less in benign cystic non-BCC than BCC.ConclusionVarious skin diseases showed AV, so that diagnoses other than BCC should be considered. The findings in this study could help discriminate BCC from non-BCC.

A Translucent Nodule of the Nipple in an Elderly Male Patient

“…Arborizing vessels are visible in various malignant tumors. 7 Moreover, the absence of discharge and a palpable mass were equally misleading and in favor of BCC as a first diagnosis. Although nipple discharge has been described in BCC of the nipple, 8 it is generally absent.…”

“…However, these findings are nonspecific to BCC. Arborizing vessels are visible in various malignant tumors . Moreover, the absence of discharge and a palpable mass were equally misleading and in favor of BCC as a first diagnosis.…”

Dermoscopic findings in neonatal leukemia cutis

“…Dermoscopy in our patient with leukemia cutis revealed features of arborizing telangiectatic vessels in the skin lesions. Characteristically, basal cell carcinoma has been associated with this dermoscopic finding . Benign tumors such as epidermal cysts, xanthogranulomas, and intradermal nevi among others may also demonstrate arborizing telangiectatic vessels on dermoscopy .…”

“…Characteristically, basal cell carcinoma has been associated with this dermoscopic finding . Benign tumors such as epidermal cysts, xanthogranulomas, and intradermal nevi among others may also demonstrate arborizing telangiectatic vessels on dermoscopy . Vascular tumors, such as infantile hemangioma and pyogenic granuloma, are also in the differential diagnosis.…”

Modern diagnostic techniques in dermatology (clinical lecture)

“…Среди основных тенденций развития современной дерматологии в ближайшем будущем особую роль приобретает направление, связанное с разработкой и внедрением в практику неинвазивных методов исследования структур кожи in vivo [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. К числу таких методов относят нижеследующие.…”