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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Blum
Andreas
A
Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tùbingen, Germany. a.blum@derma.de
Metzler
Gisela
G
Bauer
Juergen
J
D002081:Buttocks; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D013544:Sweat Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology