Usefulness of Dermoscopy to Provide Accurate Assessment of Skin Cancers

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 Jun 29:14:733-746. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S305924. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the most common benign tumour of epidermal origin. In most cases, it is simple to recognize in the clinical examination. However, sometimes SK can be a problematic lesion. We present the cases of two patients with seborrheic keratosis in whom we diagnosed the skin cancer through dermoscopic and histopathological examinations. The article aims to draw attention to the need for dermoscopic examinations to be included for an accurate assessment of the nevi not only by dermatologists but also not-specialized doctors. We would like to underline that many skin cancers share the similar features of malignancy, and competence and capability to interpret the dermoscopic pictures correctly are important for early recognition of malignant lesion. Very often malignant skin cancers can be hidden among benign lesions like seborrheic keratosis or they can be imitators of benign lesions. Amongst all cases of imposing SK, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is the most important differential diagnosis, of which their dermoscopic features will be discussed in this article.

Keywords: BCC; DFSP; MCC; Merkel-cell carcinoma; SCC; basal cell carcinoma; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans; dermoscopy; melanoma; seborrheic keratosis; skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.