Dermoscopy for pigmented basal cell carcinoma in Asian patients

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest skin cancer worldwide, with the pigmented subtype being more prevalent in Asians. In this case series, we aim to illustrate the value of dermoscopy in distinguishing pigmented BCC among Asians. Materials and methods: Six Chinese patients with six pigmented lesions that were clinically suspicious for pigmented BCC underwent dermoscopic evaluation and results were compared to their histopathological correlates. Results: All six lesions were confirmed to be pigmented nodular BCCs histopathologically. Up-to-date dermoscopic criteria for BCC were identified in all six lesions with shiny white lines, a newly added criterion, detected in four lesions. Conclusions: Dermoscopy is a useful non-invasive bedside tool which helps clinicians to differentiate pigmented BCC from other pigmented lesions. Shiny white lines is a potentially useful addition to the commonly accepted dermoscopic criteria for detecting pigmented BCC in Asians.