Dermoscopic and histopathological correlation in some epidermal tumors: a preliminary study

Background: Noninvasive treatment is increasingly used in nonmelanocytic skin cancer patients, which makes the development of noninvasive diagnostic technologies highly relevant, especially the dermoscope. Objective: The aim of the study was to use and evaluate dermoscopy as a diagnostic tool of some epidermal tumors [basal cell carcinoma (BCC), seborrheic keratosis (SK), actinic keratosis (AK), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] and its application in everyday practice on Egyptian skin. Patients and methods: The study included 25 patients having some epidermal nonmelanocytic tumors (BCC, SK, AK, and SCC). Dermoscopic and histopathological examination and correlation between their results were performed. Results: Ulceration and blue-gray globules were the most common dermoscopic features detected in BCC lesions. Fissures, ridges and comedo-like openings were the most common features in SK patients. In AK patients, fine linear wavy vessels and a strawberry pattern were the most common dermoscopic features, whereas in SCC patients, dotted and hairpin vessels, ulceration, and white structureless areas were the most common dermoscopic features. Histopathological examination and correlation between some histopathological and dermoscopic findings were carried out. Conclusion: Our study indicates that dermoscopy may be regarded as a reliable tool for predicting the diagnosis of different nonmelanoma skin cancer subtypes and thus helps in reducing unnecessary biopsies.