The blue globular pattern in dermoscopy

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Dermoscopy
• Histopathology

Background:

• Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common benign skin tumor.
• Clinical diagnosis of SK can be challenging due to resemblance to melanocytic lesions.
• Dermoscopy is crucial for accurate SK diagnosis, revealing features like milia-like cysts and comedo-like openings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case series of SKs exhibiting a blue globular pattern.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of this pattern in simulating melanocytic lesions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 224 SK cases.
• Analysis of dermoscopic findings from the Dermatoscopy Unit, University of Rome.
• Histopathologic examination for confirmation.

Main Results:

• Five SKs presented with a blue globular pattern.
• These lesions lacked typical SK dermoscopic features.
• Histopathology confirmed acanthotic SK.

Conclusions:

• The blue globular pattern is a useful dermoscopic indicator for SK.
• This pattern aids in diagnosing SK, particularly when characteristic features are absent.