Dermoscopy of melanocytic lesions in patients affected by oculocutaneous albinism: a case series

Although the majority of skin cancers in albino patients consists of squamous and basal cell carcinomas, malignant melanomas have also been described, albeit less frequently.

The aim of our study was to evaluate melanocytic lesions in albino patients to look for any recurrent dermoscopic pattern.

We enrolled 12 consecutive albino patients presenting to our department and examined each patient for the presence of melanocytic nevi with the unaided eye and then with dermoscopy. Melanocytic lesions with suspicious clinical or dermoscopic features were excised and histopathologically evaluated.

Analysis of the recorded images permitted us to find two main dermoscopic patterns in this group of patients. The first one was represented by a homogeneous light-brown yellowish pattern associated with comma-like and dotted vessels; the second one consisted of a classical brown reticular pattern frequently associated with central depigmentation and with comma-like vessels. Moreover, based on some atypical dermoscopic features, in 2 patients we excised 3 melanomas in situ (in the same patient) and a thick melanoma (3.2 mm).

Dermoscopy may represent a useful tool for the evaluation of melanocytic lesions in albino patients, permitting an early diagnosis of melanoma.