Introduction to Dermoscopy

Structural Correlations Between Dermoscopic Features of Cutaneous Melanomas and Histopathology Using Transverse Sections

“…The depigmentation is a light area at dermoscopy and histopathologically corresponds a dermal fibrosis and lack of epidermal pigment. 14,[22][23][24] As stated by the Consensus Net Meeting on Dermoscopy, the depigmentation also indicate histopathological and dermoscopic features of regression in pigmented lesions. 20,21 According to Menzies and co-workers, the scar-like depigmentation is a significant feature of invasive melanoma.…”

“…The pseudopod has an hyperpigmented bulb at the tip of a linear strand, whereas radial streaming is characterized as radial and parallel linear strands at the periphery of the lesion with no bulbar projection. 4,23,24 Although they appear different at dermoscopy, both have the same histologic features characterized by confluent nests of pigmented melanoma cells in a radial distribution. 4,24 In our study both pseudopods and radial streaming corresponded to neoplastic cells distributed in confluent nests accentuated toward the periphery of the lesion.…”

Negative pigment network: An additional dermoscopic feature for the diagnosis of melanoma

“…3 The NPN is purported to be a melanoma-specific structure; however, it is also strongly correlated with Spitz nevi and can also be seen in dysplastic nevi and in growing melanocytic nevi. [4][5][6][7] Histopathologically, it has been suggested that NPN represents elongated hypopigmented rete ridges accompanied by the presence of large nests of heavily pigmented melanocytic cells located at the dermal papillae. 8 The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratios (ORs) of NPN between melanoma cases and a group of controls including dermatofibroma, melanocytic nevus, and Spitz nevus.…”

An evaluation of dermoscopy fluids and application techniques

“…However, an undisturbed view of deeper epidermal and dermal structures can be obtained by optically linking the stratum corneum (refraction index of 1·55) with a glass plate (refraction index of approximately 1·52) with the help of an immersion fluid (IF) 8–11 . In the past, many different IFs have been used, including water, 8 alcohols (ethanol and isopropanol), 10,12 , 13 oils (mineral oil, immersion oil and olive oil) 9,14 and water‐soluble gels (ultrasound gel, K‐Y jelly and cosmetic gels) 15 among others. When the light source is coming directly from a dermatoscope, the IF serves to render the skin surface translucent and reduce reflection, while the application of the dermatoscope's glass plate helps to flatten the skin and provide an even surface.…”