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Diagnosing basal cell carcinoma by dermatoscopy
D M Carroll1, E M Billingsley, K F Helm
1Medical Student, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|November 21, 1998
Summary
Dermatoscopy (DS) can help identify basal cell carcinoma (BCC) features, though some nonpigmented BCCs lack distinct signs. Biopsy remains the definitive diagnostic tool for skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dermatoscopy (DS) is primarily used for pigmented lesions, with limited data on basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
- BCC is the most common skin cancer, typically diagnosed clinically and confirmed by biopsy.
- DS offers noninvasive visualization of skin features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the dermatoscopic features of nonpigmented basal cell carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dermatoscopic findings in 27 clinically suspected BCC lesions.
- Biopsy confirmation of lesion type.
Main Results:
- Biopsies confirmed BCC in 20 of 22 lesions; squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in two.
- Dermatoscopic findings consistent with BCC included specific vascular patterns (diffuse, branching, asymmetric, narrow, or milky-red corona).
- One nodular BCC case lacked distinct dermatoscopic features.
Conclusions:
- While many BCCs exhibit characteristic dermatoscopic findings, some do not.
- Proposed DS criteria for BCC should supplement clinical assessment.
- Biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.