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Dermoscopic Characteristics of Aggressive Basal Cell Carcinomas
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers have investigated the dermoscopic characteristics of histopathologically aggressive basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtypes. These types of BCC are known to be more aggressive and have a higher risk of recurring, making it crucial to identify them as early as possible. Micrographically controlled surgery is considered the best therapeutic option, but there is scarce evidence on their dermoscopic criteria.
The researchers aimed to investigate the dermoscopic characteristics of histopathologically aggressive BCC subtypes, which includes infiltrative, morpheaform, metatypical, and micronodular BCC. These tumors are at increased risk for recurring, and micrographically controlled surgery is considered the best therapeutic option. The study analyzed dermoscopic images of the subtypes for the presence of predefined variables.
The results showed that most of these aggressive BCCs were located on the head and neck, with infiltrative being the most common subtype. The most frequent dermoscopic features of infiltrative BCC were arborizing vessels, shiny white structures, and ulceration. In morpheaform BCC, arborizing vessels, ulceration, and white porcelain areas were the most frequently seen. The most common findings in metatypical BCC were arborizing vessels, shiny white structures, ulceration, and keratin mass. In micronodular BCC, milky red structureless areas, arborizing vessels, short fine telangiectasias, ulceration, and blue structures were the most prominent. The subtypes rarely displayed dermoscopic pigmentation, except for micronodular BCC.
“The present study provides novel information on the dermoscopic morphology of histopathologically aggressive BCC subtypes that might facilitate their clinical recognition,” concluded the study authors. “Further research is needed to investigate the accuracy of subtype prediction with dermoscopy and determine whether it can be safely used to guide management,” they added.
Reference
Camela E, Anca PI, Lallas K, et al. Dermoscopic clues of histopathologically aggressive basal cell carcinoma subtypes. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023;59(2):349. doi:10.3390/medicina59020349.
