title: Novel spot-like pigmentary pattern detected by high-resolution epiluminescence microscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epiluminescence light microscopy (ELM) can be improved with enhanced optical resolution.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  High-resolution ELM was performed by placing a standard light microscope on the skin surface for visualization of further details.
  
  
  METHODS
  25 melanocytic nevi and 14 melanomas with a globular pattern were investigated and examined histologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A new spotty substructure was detected, namely individual pigmented spots of 5-10 micro m in diameter located within peripheral brown globules. Clinicopathologic correlation showed these spots to correspond with individual pigmented melanocytes (IPMs) within nests of melanocytes. IPMs were seen in 9/25 melanocytic nevi and in none of 14 melanomas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Their origin may be a physiologic, UV-dependent pigment induction suggesting that they may represent a benign ELM pattern.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. Norb.Haas@charite.de
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haas
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hermes
authors.forename: Beate M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Henz
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation