title: Pigmented basal cell carcinoma simulating melanoma in a burn scar.
abstract: Pigmented basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can masquerade as malignant melanoma, especially in dark-skinned patients. We present a rare case of pigmented BCC located in an old burn scar in a 74-year-old Hispanic woman, and we demonstrate the potential value of dermatoscopy as a diagnostic tool in cases of pigmented lesions. Although clinically simulating melanoma, findings from the dermatoscopic examination of the lesion revealed characteristics of pigmented BCC, which was confirmed by histologic analysis of the biopsy specimen.
authors.affiliation: Skin and Cancer Associates, Plantation, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Harold S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Rabinovitz
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oliviero
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kopf
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001415:Back; D002056:Burns; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008853:Microscopy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology