Polymorphous vascular patterns in dermoscopy as a sign of malignant skin tumors - A case of an amelanotic melanoma and a porocarcinoma

Background: Using dermoscopy (dermatoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy), malignant skin tumors can be detected earlier and unnecessary excisions of benign tumors can be avoided. Objective: Description of the dermoscopic vascular patterns of an amelanotic melanoma and a porocarcinoma. Methods: Dermoscopy of an amelanotic melanoma and a porocarcinoma at 10-fold magnification. Results: On dermoscopy polymorphous vascular patterns with pinpoint and hairpin-like vessels were seen. Conclusion: A reddish tumor without any pigmented network, globules or streaks but with polymorphous vascular patterns must be considered a malignant melanocytic or nonmelanocytic skin tumor. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.