Dermoscopic observation of Bowen's disease

Abstract

Background: In the literature no specific dermoscopic criteria have been described for the diagnosis of Bowen's disease (BD).

Objective/aim: To assess the morphological findings of BD seen under dermoscopic observation.

Methods: Clinical and dermoscopic images of 14 patients affected by BD with various amount of pigmentation were obtained by means of Heine Dermaphot. Dermoscopic images were analysed by experienced observers applying the modified pattern analysis.

Results: The most frequently occurring dermoscopic features were found to be: multicomponent pattern (100%); atypical vascular structures (86.6%); absence of pigmented network (64.3%) or presence of pseudo-network (35.7%); irregular diffuse pigmentation or blotches of pigment (64.2%); irregularly distributed dots and globules (64.2%); focal/multifocal hypopigmentation (78.5%), scaly surface (64.2%) and haemorrages (26.6%).

Conclusions: Dermoscopically, BD is mainly characterized by a multicomponent global pattern associated with a prominent vascular pattern (mainly dotted vessels) and a scaly surface. Although no specific dermoscopic criteria can be given for BD, epiluminescence can be a valuable aid in the diagnosis of such a mimicker lesion.