Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Polymorphous vascular patterns in dermoscopy as a sign of malignant skin tumors. A case of an amelanotic melanoma and a porocarcinoma.

Blum A, Metzler G, Bauer J

Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tùbingen, Germany. a.blum@derma.de

BACKGROUND: Using dermoscopy (dermatoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy), malignant skin tumors can be detected earlier and unnecessary excisions of benign tumors can be avoided. OBJECTIVE: Description of the dermoscopic vascular patterns of an amelanotic melanoma and a porocarcinoma. METHODS: Dermoscopy of an amelanotic melanoma and a porocarcinoma at 10-fold magnification. RESULTS: On dermoscopy polymorphous vascular patterns with pinpoint and hairpin-like vessels were seen. CONCLUSION: A reddish tumor without any pigmented network, globules or streaks but with polymorphous vascular patterns must be considered a malignant melanocytic or nonmelanocytic skin tumor.

Published 17 December 2004 in Dermatology, 210(1): 58-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Skin Cancer Research Today. All Rights Reserved.