Dermoscopic Clues of Histopathologically Aggressive Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes

Abstract

Background: The group of histopathologically aggressive BCC subtypes includes morpheaform, micronodular, infiltrative and metatypical BCC. Since these tumors are at increased risk of recurring, micrographically controlled surgery is considered the best therapeutic option. Although dermoscopy significantly improves the clinical recognition of BCC, scarce evidence exists on their dermoscopic criteria. Aim: To investigate the dermoscopic characteristics of histopathologically aggressive BCC subtypes. Materials and Methods: Dermoscopic images of morpheaform, micronodular, infiltrative and metatypical BCC were analyzed for the presence of predefined variables. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed. Results: Most histopathologically aggressive BCCs were located on the head and neck. Infiltrative was the most common subtype. All subtypes, except micronodular BCC, rarely displayed dermoscopic pigmentation. The most frequent dermoscopic features of infiltrative BCC were arborizing vessels (67.1%), shiny white structures (48.6%) and ulceration (52.9%). The features prevailing in morpheaform BCC were arborizing vessels (68.4%), ulceration (n = 12, 63.2%) and white porcelain areas (47.4%). Micronodular BCC was typified by milky red structureless areas (53.8%), arborizing vessels (53.8%), short fine telangiectasias (50%), ulceration (46.2%) and blue structures (57.7%). The most common findings in metatypical BCC were arborizing vessels (77.8%), shiny white structures (66.7%), ulceration (62.9%) and keratin mass (29.6%). Limitations: Study population of only white skin and relatively small sample size in some groups. Conclusions: Our study provided data on the clinical, dermoscopic and epidemiological characteristics of histopathologically aggressive BCCs.