Dermoscopy useful in pinpointing carcinoma types

Dermoscopy can be a useful and reliable tool to differentiate between superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) and other basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtypes, according to a recent study.

The study, led by Aimillios Lallas, M.D., of Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy, attempted to determine the role of dermoscopy in identifying BCC tumor subtypes. Because management of BCC is dependent on histopathologic subtype, this could be an important new step in treating BCC.

Researchers for this study retrospectively examined dermoscopic images of histopathologically confirmed BCCs, looking for predefined criteria. Study authors found that certain characteristics, including maple leaf-like areas, short, fine superficial telangiectasia, multiple small erosions, and shiny white or red structureless areas tended to predict sBCCs. The presence of these characteristics made diagnosis more than five times more likely. The study also found characteristics that could possibly exclude sBCCs from being diagnosed.

Seventy-seven sBCCs, along with 258 non-sBCCs, were examined as part of the study. Limitations include the fact that all patient images were from Caucasians and the retrospective nature of the research.

The study was published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.