Superficial Type of Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas: Detailed Comparative Study of Its Dermoscopic and Histopathological Findings

Akiko Hirofuji,Eiichi Arai,Tetsuya Tsuchida,Kojiro Takiguchi,Koichiro Nakamura,Akira Kuramochi,Michio Shimizu

doi:10.1155/2011/385465

Akiko Hirofuji, Eiichi Arai + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/385465

Copy DOI

Abstract

We investigated in detail the dermoscopic and histopathological findings in a case of a superficial type of multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). These multiple lesions (occurring in the chest, neck, and back) showed three different findings, respectively. Dermoscopy of the erythematous and brown-colored patch on the anterior chest showed spoke wheel areas, and the histopathological cross-section revealed vertical spoke wheel structures. In the black- and brown-colored patch at the neck, the dermatoscopy showed a maple leaf-like structure, which was in accordance with the strengthening of the histological lateral connection of the lesion. The brown-colored patch of the lateral back histologically showed irregularly enlarged spoke wheel-like areas with peripheral increased melanin pigments, which correlated with the dark black color of dermoscopic maple leaf-like areas. The vertical spoke wheel areas by dermatoscopy revealed a horizontal spoke wheel structure by histopathology.

Highlights

The gross findings noted in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have been quite varied, there are several common diagnostic characteristics, including peripheral small nodules, ulcer formation (“rodent ulcer”) [1], and black color
In our review of the literature, no paper demonstrated a comparative study between horizontal spoke wheel areas by dermoscopy and vertical distinct spoke wheel structures in histopathology
We showed in detail that a 1-to-1 correlation exists between dermoscopic and histopathological findings of spoke wheel pattern and leaf-like areas

Summary

Introduction

The gross findings noted in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have been quite varied, there are several common diagnostic characteristics, including peripheral small nodules, ulcer formation (“rodent ulcer”) [1], and black color (especially in Japanese [2, 3] and black people [4]). The spread of dermoscopy and accumulation of dermoscopic findings have improved the diagnostic accuracy of BCC [5]. The characteristic dermoscopic findings of BCC include arborizing vessels, spoke wheel areas, leaf-like areas, large blue-gray ovoid nests, multiple blue-gray globules, among others [6]. In this paper we experienced an interesting case that had three different features of multiple superficial types of BCCs. In this paper we experienced an interesting case that had three different features of multiple superficial types of BCCs This present case revealed typical spoke wheel areas and leaflike areas, and we were able to make detailed correlations between its dermoscopic and histopathologic findings.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion