title: Dermoscopic patterns of dermatofibroma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clinical and dermoscopic aspects of dermatofibroma (DF) are usually typical. Systematic analysis of dermoscopic features of DFs has rarely been performed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the dermoscopic patterns of DFs and, in selected cases, the change of these patterns over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dermoscopic examination was performed in 39 DFs belonging to 32 patients. In each case, the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified the following three dermoscopic patterns: isolated presence of the pigment network in 31% of cases; a peripheral pigment network associated with either globules and dots or with scale crusts, and sometimes also with a more or less evident white patch, in the central area in 13% of cases; and a peripheral pigment network with a central white area in 56% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The dermoscopic patterns observed in our case series may correspond to distinct sequential stages of formation, suggesting clues to understanding the pathogenesis of DF.
authors.affiliation: Second Unit of Dermatology, MIDIM Department, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Arpaia
authors.forename: Nicoletta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cassano
authors.forename: Gino Antonio
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Vena
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D046169:Dermoscopy; D005260:Female; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*