Variations in the dermoscopic features of acquired acral melanocytic nevi

To investigate the dermoscopic features of acquired acral melanocytic nevi (AAMN) in a white population in Turkey.

Prospective population-based study.

University dermatology department dermoscopy unit.

A total of 2625 patients admitted to our dermoscopy unit.

Patients were examined for AAMN clinically and dermoscopically with a digital imaging system, and AAMN larger than 7 mm and dermoscopically suggestive lesions were excised and examined histopathologically. For other nevi, digital dermoscopic follow-up at 6-month intervals was recommended.

A total of 188 AAMN were observed in 138 patients. The most common dermoscopic pattern was the parallel furrow pattern (58.5%). The other patterns seen were fibrillar (12.2%), latticelike (6.4%), homogeneous (6.4%), globulostreaklike (5.3%), reticular (4.3%), globular (2.1%), nontypical (3.2%), and the pattern suggestive of malignancy (1.6%). All 39 excised lesions (20.7%) were benign. In addition, within 1 year, some changes in dermoscopic features were observed in 24 of the 33 lesions observed on digital dermoscopic follow-up (73%).

There may be many variations in AAMN. In our population, although the parallel furrow pattern is the most common pattern, as reported in Japanese populations, fibrillar and latticelike patterns occurred in lower proportions. Conversely the homogeneous pattern is more frequent and may be considered one of the major patterns in the white population. In addition, changes in the dermoscopic features of AAMN may occur, even during short-term follow-up.