Background: Little is known about the dermoscopic features of scalp tumours. Objective To determine the dermoscopic features of scalp tumours.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of dermoscopic images of histopathologically diagnosed scalp tumours from International Dermoscopy Society members.
Results: A total of 323 tumours of the scalp from 315 patients (mean age: 52 years; range 3-88 years) were analysed. Scalp nevi were significantly associated with young age (<30 years) and exhibited a globular or network pattern with central or perifollicular hypopigmentation. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer were associated with male gender, androgenetic alopecia, age >65 years and sun damage. Atypical network and regression were predictive for thin (≤1 mm) melanomas, whereas advanced melanomas (tumour thickness > 1 mm) revealed blue white veil, unspecific patterns and irregular black blotches or dots.
Conclusions: The data collected provide a new knowledge regarding the clinical and dermoscopy features of pigmented scalp tumours.
© 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.