Neck Melanoma: Clinical, Dermoscopic and Confocal Features
Stefania Borsari1, Riccardo Pampena2, Margherita Raucci1
1Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 11, 2019
Summary
Neck melanoma exhibits distinct clinical and dermoscopic features, aiding early diagnosis. This study identified key characteristics differentiating neck melanomas from benign nevi.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Dermoscopy
- Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM)
Background:
- The head and neck are anatomically considered a single unit.
- Limited data exists on the clinical, dermoscopic, and confocal characteristics of neck melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical, dermoscopic, and confocal diagnostic features of melanomas located on the neck.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of excised melanocytic lesions on the neck (March 2011-February 2018).
- Assessment of dermoscopic criteria (7-point checklist, grey color, irregular hyperpigmentation).
- Evaluation of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) images where available.
Main Results:
- Of 282 head and neck lesions biopsied, 31 were on the neck (21 melanomas, 10 nevi).
- Neck melanomas occurred in older patients and were more frequent on sun-damaged skin.
- Dermoscopic features of neck melanomas included irregular dots/globules, grey color, regression, and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) criteria; RCM improved diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Neck melanomas possess unique clinical and dermoscopic features.
- These characteristics can assist clinicians in differentiating neck melanomas from nevi for earlier diagnosis.
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