Pigmented reticular structures in basal cell carcinoma and collision tumours.
BACKGROUND
The dermatoscopic diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is based on well-known specific criteria. Despite the fact that a pigment network is considered a negative feature for the diagnosis of BCC, its detection in a BCC context has been reported in 2.8% of cases.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether pigment networks or network-like structures might represent a pitfall for the correct diagnosis of BCC.


METHODS
Dermatoscopic images of 412 histopathologically proven BCCs were analysed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Pigment network or network-like structures were detected in 14 of 412 (3.4%) BCCs. Nine of 14 BCCs presented a typical pigment network, due to the association of a BCC lesion with a naevus, solar lentigo or actinic keratosis; two BCCs located on the face showed a pseudonetwork, and three of 14 lesions displayed a network-like structure characterized by light-brown irregularly meshed short linear structures, histopathologically related to a hyperpigmentation of the basal layer of the epidermis.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of a pigment network in the context of a BCC is uncommon, and it usually reflects the association of BCC with a solar lentigo, naevus or a specific location of the lesion on photodamaged skin.
Gulia
A
A
Department of Dermatology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Altamura
D
D
De Trane
S
S
Micantonio
T
T
Fargnoli
M C
MC
Peris
K
K
D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation
D008543:Melanins