Diagnostic Insights: Tumor Size and Dermoscopic Features of Basal Cell Carcinomas
Posted: Monday, October 25, 2021
An article published in the Chinese Medical Journal reported on the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinomas. Wei Zhu, MD, of Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, and colleagues conducted a retrospective study comparing the relevant dermoscopic features used to assess large versus small pigmented tumors. Based on their study findings, Dr. Zhu and colleagues concluded that tumor size and tumor growth affected dermoscopic diagnosis of large, pigmented tumors differently than smaller ones. They also believe that this method may prove to be useful in diagnosing large basal cell carcinomas with atypical clinical lesions.
A total of 98 confirmed basal cell carcinoma cases were the focus of the study. Pathology was confirmed by a noncontact polarizing electronic dermoscope workstation, where clinical and dermoscopic images were acquired and stored for further analysis. Two independent observers examined the images and assessed and compared the dermoscopic features present in each lesion. Skin lesions were also classified according to the extension of dermoscopic pigmentation at a 20-fold magnification.
Findings revealed that nearly half of the lesions (49%) were smaller than 1 cm, and the other half were between 1 and 6 cm. When relevant dermoscopic features between small and large tumors were compared, the study authors found that blue-gray dots (66%) and arborizing vessels (64%) were more frequent in the large tumors (P < .05). They also found that short white stripes/chrysalis-like structures (58%), ulcerations (56%), and large blue-gray structureless areas (56%), were significantly more frequent in the large tumors than in the small tumors (P < .001).
Disclosure: The study authors reported no conflicts of interest.
