Rosettes in actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma: distribution, association to other dermoscopic signs and description of the rosette pattern

Abstract

Background

Rosettes, a dermoscopic structure characterized by four white points arranged as a 4-leaf clover, supports the dermoscopic diagnosis of actinic keratosis (AK) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Objective

The association of rosettes with other dermoscopic structures in AK or SCC and their distribution has not been analysed yet.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of patients with histologically proven AK or SCC who presented dermoscopic rosettes at initial evaluation.

Results

A total of 56 tumors were collected (94,6% AK and 5,4% SCC). Thirty-seven (66.1%) lesions were non-pigmented and 19 (33.9%) pigmented. The most common dermoscopic findings were erythema (53; 94.6%) and scale (42; 75%). White circles were present in 21 lesions (37.5%); pigmented pseudonetwork in 18 (32.1%) and multiple gray-to-brown dots and globules in 14 (25%). Rosettes were distributed focally in 9 (16.1%) and generalized in 47 (83.9%). The rosette pattern (rosettes as the main structure) was observed only in AK (19; 35.8%).

Limitations

The analysis was not blinded. The distinction between focal distribution (up to 3 rosettes) or generalized could be considered arbitrary.

Conclusion

The rosette pattern identified in AK may be a specific pattern for AK.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2tmQgmk