Dermoscopic Predictors of Benignity and Malignancy in Equivocal Lesions Predominated by Blue Color

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Blue color in dermoscopy can be seen in a wide range of benign and malignant lesions, melanocytic or not. Some blue-colored dermoscopic criteria have been associated with specific tumors, such as blue-white veil with melanoma and homogeneous blue with blue nevi. However, when blue color occupies a large part of the lesion’s surface, the dermoscopic assessment might be particularly challenging. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To identify dermoscopic predictors associated with benignity and malignancy in tumors characterized by a predominant dermoscopic presence of blue color. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively screened our institutional database for tumors exhibiting blue color in at least 50% of their surface with available histopathologic diagnosis. Lesions with blue color covering less than 50% of their extent and lesions not histopathologically assessed were excluded. The dermoscopic images were evaluated for the presence of predefined criteria, including the characteristics of the blue color, coexisting colors, and the vascular structures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 91 included tumors, 53 were benign (35 blue nevi, 10 angiomas, and 8 seborrheic keratoses) and 38 malignant (12 melanomas and 26 basal cell carcinomas). Our analysis revealed 3 potent dermoscopic predictors of benignity: extension of blue color in more than 75% of the surface, diffuse distribution of blue color, and absence of vessels, posing a 2.3-fold, 5.6-fold, and 6.7-fold increased probability of benignity, respectively. In contrast, asymmetric distribution of blue color, blue clods, coexistence of gray color and linear vessels were significantly predictive of malignancy, posing a 8.9-fold, 2.8-fold, 13.5-fold, and 10.4-fold increased probability, respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In predominantly blue tumors, the probability of malignancy is high when blue color is seen in clods or is asymmetrically distributed and when gray color or linear vessels coexist. In contrast, a diffuse distribution of blue color, its expansion in more than 75% of the surface, and the absence of vessels are highly suggestive of a benign tumor.