Pink lesions

Abstract

Dermoscopy (dermatoscopy or surface microscopy) is an ancillary dermatologic tool that in experienced hands can improve the accuracy of diagnosis of a variety of benign and malignant pigmented skin tumors. The early and more accurate diagnosis of nonpigmented, or pink, tumors can also be assisted by dermoscopy. This review focuses on the dermoscopic diagnosis of pink lesions, with emphasis on blood vessel morphology and pattern. A 3-step algorithm is presented, which facilitates the timely and more accurate diagnosis of pink tumors and subsequently guides the management for such lesions.

Keywords: Actinic keratosis; Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma; Basal cell carcinoma; Dermatoscopy; Dermoscopy; Non-pigmented skin tumors; Pink lesions; Squamous cell carcinoma.