CLINICAL REVIEW

Dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions

Ralph Peter Braun, MD,a Harold S. Rabinovitz, MD,b Margaret Oliviero, ARNP, MSN,b
Alfred W. Kopf, MD,c and Jean-Hilaire Saurat, MDa
Geneva, Switzerland; Miami, Florida; and New York, New York

Dermoscopy is an in vivo method for the early diagnosis of malignant melanoma and the differential
diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the skin. It has been shown to increase diagnostic accuracy over clinical
visual inspection in the hands of experienced physicians. This article is a review of the principles of
dermoscopy as well as recent technological developments. ( J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:109-21.)

I n the last two decades a rising incidence of HISTORY OF DERMOSCOPY

malignant melanoma has been observed.1-7
Because of a lack of adequate therapies for
metastatic melanoma, the best treatment currently
is still early diagnosis and prompt surgical excision of
the primary cancer.5,7 Dermoscopy (also known as
epiluminescence microscopy, dermatoscopy, and
amplified surface microscopy) is an in vivo method,
that has been reported to be a useful tool for the early
recognition of malignant melanoma.8-11 The perfor-
mance of dermoscopy has been investigated by
many authors. Its use increases diagnostic accuracy
between 5% and 30% over clinical visual inspection,
depending on the type of skin lesion and experience
of the physician.12-16 This was confirmed by recent
evidence-based publications and based on a meta-
analysis of the literature.17,18 This article is a review of
the principles of dermoscopy as well as recent
technological developments.
From the Pigmented Skin Lesion Unit, Department of Dermatol-
ogy, University Hospital Genevaa; Skin and Cancer Associates,
Plantation, Fla, and Department of Dermatology, University of
Miami School of Medicineb; and The Ronald O. Perelman
Department of Dermatology, New York University School of
Medicine.c
Funding sources: The work of Dr Braun has been supported by the
Swiss Cancer League. Dr Kopf has the following funding
sources: The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology,
New York University School of Medicine, Joseph H. Hazen
Foundation, Mary and Emanuel Rosenthal Foundation, Kaplan
Comprehensive Cancer Center (Cancer Center Support Core
Grant No. 5P30-CA-16087), Blair O. Rogers Medical Research
Fund, The Rahr Family Foundation, and Stravros S. Niarchos
Foundation Fund of the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Conflict of interest: None.
Accepted for publication November 9, 2001.
Reprint requests: R. P. Braun, MD, Department of Dermatology,
University Hospital Geneva, 24, rue Micheli-du-Crest, CH
1211Geneva 14, Switzerland. E-mail: braun@melanoma.ch.
0190-9622/$30.00
2005 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2001.11.001
Skin surface microscopy started in 1663 with
Kolhaus who investigated the small vessels in the
nailfold with the help of a microscope.11,19 In 1878,
Abbe described the use of immersion oil in light
microscopy 20 and this principle was transferred to
skin surface microscopy by the German dermatolo-
gist, Unna, in 1893.21 He introduced the term
diascopy and described the use of immersion oil
and a glass spatula for the interpretation of lichen
planus and for the evaluation of the infiltrate in lupus
erythematosus. The term dermatoscopy was in-
troduced in 1920 by the German dermatologist
Johann Saphier who published a series of commu-
nications using a new diagnostic tool resembling
a binocular microscope with a built-in light source
for the examination of the skin.22-25 He used this new
tool in various indications and did some interesting
morphological observations on anatomical struc-
tures of the skin which indicated the high perfor-
mance of his equipment. Skin surface microscopy
was further developed in the United States by
Goldman in the 1950s. He published a series of
interesting articles on new devices on what he called
Dermoscopy.26-29 He was the first dermatologist to
use this new technique for the evaluation of pig-
mented skin lesions. In 1971, Rona MacKie30 clearly
identified, for the first time, the advantage of surface
microscopy for the improvement of preoperative
diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions and for the
differential diagnosis of benign versus malignant
lesions. These investigations were continued mainly
in Europe by several Austrian and German groups.
The first Consensus Conference on Skin Surface
Microscopy was held in 1989 in Hamburg31 and the
Consensus Netmeeting on Dermoscopy, which was
held in 2001 in Rome32 (http://www.dermoscopy.
org), was the first international meeting of its
kind. Today dermoscopy has become a routine
technique in Europe and is gaining acceptance in
other countries.

109
110 Braun et al
Table I. Vascular architecture of pigmented skin lesions according to Kreusch and Koch57
Morphological aspect
Tree-like vessels Thick, arborizing vessels, superficial
Corona vessels Surround the tumor
Thinner than tree-like vessels
Less curved than tree-like vessels
Comma-shaped vessels Short, strong, curved,
Located on the tumor
Short distance, parallel to skin surface
Point vessels Short capillary loops
Dense packed red points
Not in the holes of the pigment network
Hairpin vessels Long capillary loops of thicker tumors at the
border
Whitish halo in tumors with keratin
BCC, Basal cell carcinoma; SCC, squamous cell carcinoma.
PHYSICAL ASPECTS
Light is either reflected, dispersed, or absorbed by
the stratum corneum because of its refraction index
and its optical density, which is different from air.33
Thus, deeper underlying structures cannot be ade-
quately visualized. However, when various immer-
sion liquids are used, they render the skin surface
translucent and reduce the reflection, so that un-
derlying structures are readily visible. The applica-
tion of a glass plate flattens the skin surface and
provides an even surface. Optical magnification is
used for examination. Taken together, these optical
means allow the visualization of certain epidermal,
dermo-epidermal, and dermal structures.
MATERIAL FOR DERMOSCOPY
Dermoscopy requires optical magnification and
liquid immersion. This can be performed with very
simple, inexpensive equipment.34,35 Specially de-
signed handheld devices with 10 to 20 times magni-
fication are commercially available (Dermatoscope
[Heine AG]; DermoGenius Basic [Rodenstock
Prazisionsoptik]; Episcope [Welch-Allyn]; DermLite
[3Gen, LLC]). Photographic documentation can be
performed with a dermoscopic attachment to a stan-
dard camera (Dermaphot, Heine, AG) which can be
used also with some digital cameras. Most recently,
digital cameras have been designed that are attached
to computers. This allows easy storage, retrieval, and
follow-up of pigmented skin lesions. For dermatol-
ogists with less experience in dermoscopy, some of
the systems may offer the possibility of computer-
assisted diagnosis for malignant melanoma or for
consulting an expert through telemedicine.
J AM ACAD DERMATOL
JANUARY 2005
Type of pathology
Pigmented BCC of any type (discrete in
superficial BCCs)
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
Dermal nevi
Thin malignant melanomas
Epithelial tumors such as actinic keratosis,
Bowens disease, etc (short vertical height)
Thick melanomas
SCC keratoacanthoma, seborrheic keratosis
DERMOSCOPIC CRITERIA
Colors
The use of dermoscopy allows the identification
of many different structures and colors, not seen by
the naked eye.
Colors play an important role in dermoscopy.
Common colors are light brown, dark brown, black,
blue, blue-gray, red, yellow, and white. The most
important chromophore in melanocytic neoplasms is
melanin.11,13,36 The color of melanin essentially
depends on its localization in the skin. The color
black is due to melanin located in the stratum
corneum and the upper epidermis, light to dark
brown in the epidermis, gray to gray-blue in the
papillary dermis and steel-blue in the reticular
dermis.11,13 The color blue occurs when there is
melanin localized within the deeper parts of the skin
because the portions of visible light with shorter
wavelengths (blue-violet end of spectrum) are more
dispersed than portions with longer wavelengths
(red end of visible spectrum).37,38 The color red is
associated with an increased number or dilatation of
blood vessels, trauma, or neovascularization. The
color white is often caused by regression and/or
scarring.11
Dermoscopic structures
In this context we will use the nomenclature as
proposed by the recent Consensus Netmeeting (held
in Rome in 2001) with some revisions32:
Pigment network. The pigment network is
a grid-like (honeycomb-like) network consisting
of pigmented lines and hypopigmented
holes.11,13,36,37,39 The anatomic basis of the
J AM ACAD DERMATOL
VOLUME 52, NUMBER 1
Fig 1. Two-step procedure for the classification of pig-
mented skin lesions. Adapted from Argenziano G et al.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:679-93.32
pigment network is either melanin pigment in
keratinocytes, or in melanocytes along the dermoe-
pidermal junction.40 The reticulation (network) rep-
resents the rete ridge pattern of the epidermis.41-43
The relatively hypomelanotic holes in the network
correspond to tips of the dermal papillae and the
overlying suprapapillary plates of the epider-
mis.13,36,37
The pigment network can be either typical or
atypical. A typical network is relatively uniform,
regularly meshed, homogeneous in color, and usu-
ally thinning out at the periphery.36,39,44 An atypical
network is nonuniform, with darker and/or broad-
ened lines and holes that are heterogeneous in
area and shape. The lines are often hyperpigmented
and may end abruptly at the periphery.36,39,44
If the rete ridges are short or less pigmented, the
pigment network may not be visible. Areas devoid of
any network (but without signs of regression) are
called structureless areas.11,45
Dots. Dots are small, round structures less than
0.1 mm in diameter, which may be black, brown,
gray, or blue-gray.11,13,32,36 Black dots are caused by
pigment accumulation in the stratum corneum and in
the upper part of the epidermis.11,37,42,46 Brown dots
represent focal melanin accumulations at the der-
moepidermal junction.47 Gray-blue granules (pep-
pering) are caused by tiny melanin structures in the
papillary dermis. Gray-blue or blue granules are due
to loose melanin, fine melanin particles or melanin
dust in melanophages or free in the deep papillary
or reticular dermis.11,37,42,46
Globules. Globules are symmetrical, round to
oval, well-demarcated structures that may be brown,
black, or red.11,13,32,36 They have a diameter which is
usually larger than 0.1 mm and correspond to nests
of pigmented benign or malignant melanocytes,
clumps of melanin, and/or melanophages situated
Braun et al 111
Fig 2. Algorithm for the determination of melanocytic
versus nonmelanocytic lesions according to the proposi-
tion of the Board of the Consensus Netmeeting. Adapted
from Argenziano G et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:
679-93.32
usually in the lower epidermis, at the dermoepider-
mal junction, or in the papillary dermis.11,37,42,46
Both dots and globules may occur in benign as
well as in malignant melanocytic proliferations. In
benign lesions, they are rather regular in size and
shape and quite evenly distributed (frequently in the
center of a lesion).32,36 In melanomas they tend to
vary in size and shape and are frequently found in
the periphery of lesions.32,36,48
Branched streaks. Branched streaks are an
expression of an altered pigmented network in which
the network becomes disrupted or broken up.11,32,45
Their pathological correlations are remnants of pig-
mented rete ridges and bridging nests of melanocytic
cells within the epidermis and papillary dermis.11
Radial streaming. Radial streaming appears as
radially and asymmetrically arranged, parallel linear
extensions at the periphery of a lesion.13,49 Histo-
logically, they represent confluent pigmented junc-
tional nests of pigmented melanocytes.13,36
Pseudopods. Pseudopods represent fingerlike
projections of dark pigment (brown to black) at the
periphery of the lesion.13,49,50 They may have small
knobs at their tips, and are either connected to the
pigment network or directly connected to the tumor
body.13,50 They correspond as well to intraepidermal
or junctional confluent radial nests of melano-
cytes.13,50 Menzies et al49 found pseudopods to be
one of the most specific features of superficial
spreading melanoma.
Streaks. Streaks is a term used by some
authors interchangeably with radial streaming or
112 Braun et al J AM ACAD DERMATOL
JANUARY 2005

Fig 3. A, Macroscopic picture of a superficial spreading malignant melanoma (Breslow

thickness 0.52 mm; Clark level II). B, Dermoscopy of A shows (atypical) pigment network and
branched streaks and can therefore be considered a melanocytic lesion.

Fig 4. A, Macroscopic picture of a blue nevus. B, Dermoscopy of A shows steel-blue areas (no
pigment network, no aggregated globules, no branched streaks).

Fig 5. A, Macroscopic picture of a seborrheic keratosis. B, Dermoscopy of A shows comedo-

like openings (a), multiple milia-like cysts (b), and fissures (c).

Fig 6. A, Macroscopic picture of a seborrheic keratosis. B, Dermoscopy of A shows comedo-

like openings and multiple milia-like cysts.
J AM ACAD DERMATOL Braun et al 113
VOLUME 52, NUMBER 1

Fig 7. A, Macroscopic picture of a basal cell carcinoma. B, Dermoscopy of A shows maple

leafelike areas, ovoid nests, and arborized telangiectasia.

Fig 8. A, Macroscopic picture of a basal cell carcinoma. B, Dermoscopy of A shows multiple

spoke wheel areas.

Fig 9. A, Macroscopic picture of an angioma. B, Dermoscopy of A shows red lagoons.

pseudopods. This is because both these structures
have the same histopathological correlation.11,37,42,46
Streaks can be irregular, when they are unevenly
distributed (malignant melanoma), or regular (sym-
metrical radial arrangement over the entire lesion).
The latter is particularly found in the pigmented
spindle cell nevi (Reeds nevi).51-53
Structureless areas. Structureless areas repre-
sent areas devoid of any discernible structures (eg,
globules, network). They tend to be hypopig-
mented, which is due to the absence of pigment or
diminution of pigment intensity within a pigmented
skin lesion.11
Blotches. A blotch (also called black lamella by
some authors) is caused by a large concentration of
melanin pigment localized throughout the epidermis
and/or dermis visually obscuring the underlying
structures.41-43,46
Regression pattern. Regression appears as
white scar-like depigmentation (lighter than the sur-
rounding skin) or peppering (speckled multiple
blue-gray granules within a hypopigmented area).
Histologically, regression shows fibrosis, loss of pig-
mentation, epidermal thinning, effacement of the rete
ridges, and melanin granules free in the dermis or in
melanophages scattered in the papillary dermis.43,46
Blue-white veil. Blue-white veil is an irregu-
lar, indistinct, confluent blue pigmentation with
an overlying white, ground-glass haze.13,32 The
pigmentation cannot occupy the entire lesion.
114 Braun et al J AM ACAD DERMATOL
JANUARY 2005

Table II. Pattern analysis according to Pehamberger et al39 (modified)

Lentigo simplex Junctional nevus Compound nevus Dermal nevus Blue nevus
Regular pigment Regular pigment Regular pigment No criteria for Steel-blue areas
network without network without network without melanocytic lesion
interruptions interruptions interruptions
Regular border, thins Regular border, thins Regular border, thins No pigment network No pigment network
out at periphery out at periphery out at periphery
Black dots over grids Heterogeneous holes Heterogeneous holes Brown globules lll-defined
of pigment of pigment of pigment
network network network
Brown-black globules Brown globules Brown globules Homogeneous White veils are
at center of the colors possible
lesion
Homogeneous colors Homogeneous colors Symmetric papular Pseudonetwork No pseudonetwork
appearance
All criteria for Comma-shaped
melanocytic lesion blood vessels
possible
Color heterogeneity
possible

Histopathologically this corresponds to an aggrega-
tion of heavily pigmented cells or melanin in the
dermis (blue color) in combination with a compact
orthokeratosis.13,32,36,43,46,54
Vascular pattern. Pigmented skin lesions may
have dermoscopically visible vascular patterns,
which include comma vessels, point vessels, nocytic nevi. Multiple fissures might give a brain-
tree-like vessels, wreath-like vessels, and hair- like appearance to the lesion.32,36,63,65 This pattern
pin-like vessels (Table I).55-57 Atypical vascular
patterns may include linear, dotted, or globular red
structures irregularly distributed within the le-
sion.32,36,58,59 Some of the vascular patterns may be
caused by neovascularization. For the evaluation of
vascular patterns, there has to be as little pressure as
possible on the lesion during examination because
otherwise the vessels are simply compressed and
will not be visible. The use of ultrasound gel for
immersion helps to reduce the pressure necessary
for the best evaluation of the skin lesion.57
Milia-like cysts. Milia-like cysts are round whit-
ish or yellowish structures which are mainly seen in
seborrheic keratosis.* They correspond to intraepi-
dermal keratin-filled cysts and may also be seen in
congenital nevi as well as in some papillomatous
melanocytic nevi. At times, milia-like cysts are
pigmented, and thus, can resemble globules.
*References 8, 11, 13, 32, 36, 37, 49, 55, 60-63.
Comedo-like openings (crypts, pseudofollic-
ular openings). Comedo-like openings (with
blackhead-like plugs) are mainly seen in sebor-
rheic keratoses or in some rare cases in papilloma-
tous melanocytic nevi.y The keratin-filled invaginations
of the epidermis correspond to the comedo-like
structures histopathologically.
y
References 8, 11, 13, 32, 36, 37, 49, 55, 60-64.
Fissures and ridges (brain-like appear-
ance). Fissures are irregular, linear keratin-filled
depressions, commonly seen in seborrheic kerato-
ses.63 They may also be seen in melanocytic nevi
with congenital patterns and in some dermal mela-
has also been named gyri and sulci or mountain
and valley pattern by some authors.11
Fingerprint-like structures. Some flat sebor-
rheic keratoses (also known as solar lentigines) can
show tiny ridges running parallel and producing
a pattern that resembles fingerprints.11,32,65,66
Moth-eaten border. Some flat seborrheic kera-
toses (mainly on the face) have a concave border
so that the pigment ends with a curved structure,
which has been compared to a moth-eaten gar-
ment.11,13,32,63,65,66
Leaf-like areas. Leaf-like areas (maple leafelike
areas) are seen as brown to gray-blue discrete
bulbous blobs, sometimes forming a leaf-like pat-
tern.* Their distribution reminds one of the shape
of finger pads. In absence of a pigment network,
they are suggestive of pigmented basal cell car-
cinoma.11,32,67
*References 8, 9, 11, 13, 32, 36, 37, 39, 55, 65,
67, 68.
Spoke wheelelike structures. Spoke wheele
like structures are well-circumscribed, brown to
gray-blue-brown, radial projections meeting at
a darker brown central hub.11,32,67 In the absence
of a pigment network, they are highly suggestive of
basal cell carcinoma.
J AM ACAD DERMATOL Braun et al 115
VOLUME 52, NUMBER 1

Table II. Contd

Malignant melanoma Atypical (Clark) nevus Angioma Seborrheic keratosis Pigmented BCC
Heterogeneous Irregular pigment No features of No features for No features for
(colors and network with melanocytic lesion melanocytic lesion melanocytic lesion
structures) interruptions
Asymmetry (colors Heterogeneous holes No pigment network Pigment network Maple-leafelike
and structures) usually absent pigmentation
Irregular pigment Irregular border Red, red-blue, or Milia-like cysts Telangiectasia
network red-black lagoons,
( globules, saccules)
Irregular border with Heterogeneity of Abrupt border cut-off Pseudofollicular Tree-like blood
abrupt peripheral colors openings, vessels
margin comedo-like
openings (plugs)
Structureless areas Gray-white veil Rough surface Dirty gray-brown to
gray-black colors
Gray-blue or red-rose Absence of primary Abrupt border cut-off
veils criteria for
malignant
melanoma
Red Opaque gray-brown
colors
Pseudopods/radial
streaming
Point and hairpin
vessels

Table III. ABCD rule of dermoscopy according to Stoiz et al (modified)11,45

Points Weight factor Subscore range
Asymmetry Complete symmetry 0 1.3 0-2.6
Asymmetry in 1 axis 1
Asymmetry in 2 axis 2
Border 8 segments, 1 point for abrupt cut-off of pigment 0-8 0.1 0-0.8
Color 1 point for each color: 1-6 0.5 0.5-3.0
White
Red
Light brown
Dark brown
Black
Blue-gray
Differential structures 1 point for every structure: 1-5 0.5 0.5-2.5
Pigment network
Structureless areas
Dots
Globules
Streaks
Total score range: 1.0-8.9

Large blue-gray ovoid nests. Ovoid nests are
large, well-circumscribed, confluent or near-con-
fluent, pigmented ovoid areas, larger than glob-
ules, and not intimately connected to a pigmented
tumor body.11,32,67 When a network is absent,
ovoid nests are highly suggestive of basal cell
carcinoma.
Multiple blue-gray globules. Multiple blue-
gray globules are round, well-circumscribed struc-
tures that are, in the absence of a pigment network,
highly suggestive of basal cell carcinoma.11,32,67
They have to be differentiated from multiple blue-
gray dots (which correspond to melanophages and
melanin dust).
116 Braun et al J AM ACAD DERMATOL
JANUARY 2005

Table IV. The 7-point checklist according to Table V. The Menzies Method according to
Argenziano et al44 Menzies et al13,49
Criteria 7-point score Negative features
Major criteria Point and axial symmetry of pigmentation
Atypical pigment network 2 Presence of a single color
Blue-white veil 2 Positive features
Atypical vascular pattern 2 Blue-white veil
Minor criteria Multiple brown dots
Irregular streaks 1 Pseudopods
Irregular pigmentation 1 Radial streaming
Irregular dots/globules 1 Scar-like depigmentation
Regression structures 1 Peripheral black dots-globules
Multiple colors (5 or 6)
Multiple blue/gray dots
Broadened network
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF
PIGMENTED LESIONS OF THE SKIN
There are many publications on the subject of the Once the lesion is identified to be of melanocytic
differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the origin, the decision has to be made if the melanocytic
skin. The 5 algorithms most commonly used are lesion is benign, suspect, or malignant. To accom-
pattern analysis8,39,62; the ABCD rule of dermo- plish this, 4 different approaches are the most
scopy11,45,70; the 7-point checklist32,36,44; the commonly used.
Menzies method13,32,49; and the revised pattern
analysis.71 Pattern analysis (Pehamberger et al)
The Board of the Consensus Netmeeting agreed Pattern recognition has historically been used by
on a two-step procedure for the classification of clinicians and histopathologists to differentiate be-
pigmented lesions of the skin (Fig 1). A similar nign lesions from malignant neoplasms. A similar
approach has been proposed by other authors in process has been found useful with dermoscopy,
the past. and has been termed pattern analysis. It allows
The first step is the differentiation between distinction between benign and malignant growth
a melanocytic and a nonmelanocytic lesion. For features. It was described by Pehamberger and
this decision, the algorithm in Fig 2 is used. colleagues based on the analysis of more than 7000
Are aggregated globules, pigment network, pigmented skin lesions.8,39,62 Table II shows the
branched streaks (Fig 3), homogeneous blue pig- typical patterns of some common, pigmented skin
mentation (blue nevus: Fig 4), or a parallel pattern lesions using pattern analysis.
(palms, soles, and mucosa) visible? If this is the case,
the lesion should be considered as a melanocytic ABCD rule of dermatoscopy (Stolz et al)
lesion (Fig 3). If not, the lesion should be evaluated The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy, described by
for the presence of comedo-like plugs, multiple Stolz et al in 1993 was based on an analysis of 157
milia-like cysts, and comedo-like openings, irregular pigmented skin lesions.11,70 The complete ABCD
crypts, light brown fingerprint-like structures, or rule is explained in Table III.
fissures and ridges (brain-like appearance) pat- For the evaluation of asymmetry, the lesion is
tern. If so, the lesion is suggestive of a seborrheic divided into 4 segments (2 perpendicular axes). The
keratosis (Figs 5 and 6). If not, the lesion has to be axes are oriented so that the lowest asymmetry is
evaluated for the presence of arborizing blood obtained. For asymmetry in both axes, a value of 2 is
vessels (telangiectasia), leaf-like areas, large blue- obtained. To calculate the subscore, the value of each
gray ovoid nests, multiple blue-gray globules, spoke ABCD category has to be multiplied by the corre-
wheel areas, or ulceration. If present, the lesion is sponding weight factor. To obtain the total score
suggestive of basal cell carcinoma (Figs 7 and 8). If value, the different ABCD subscores have to be
not, one has to look for red or red-blue (to black) added.
lagoons. If these structures are present, the lesion The total score ranges from 1 to 8.9. A lesion with
should be considered a hemangioma (Fig 9) or an a total score greater than 5.45 should be considered
angiokeratoma. If all the preceding questions were as melanoma. A lesion with a total score of 4.75
answered with no, the lesion should still be or less can be considered as benign. A lesion with
considered to be a melanocytic lesion. a score value between 4.75 and 5.45 should be
J AM ACAD DERMATOL Braun et al 117
VOLUME 52, NUMBER 1

Table VI. Pattern of benign and malignant lesions

Benign Malignant
Dots Centrally located or situated right on the Unevenly distributed and scattered focally at
network the periphery
Globules Uniform in size, shape, and color, symmetrically Globules that are unevenly distributed and
located at the periphery, centrally located, or when reddish are highly suggestive of
uniform throughout the lesion as in a melanoma
cobblestone pattern
Streaks Radial streaming or pseudopods tend to be Radial streaming or pseudopods tend to be
symmetrical and uniform at the periphery focal and irregular at periphery
Blue-white veil Tends to be centrally located Tends to be asymmetrically located or diffuse
almost over entire lesion
Blotch Centrally located or may be diffuse Asymmetrically located or there are often
hyperpigmented area that extends almost to multiple asymmetrical blotches
periphery of the lesion
Network Typical network that consists of light to dark Atypical network that may be nonuniform with
uniform pigmented lines and black/brown or gray thickened lines and
hypopigmented holes holes of different sizes and shapes
Network borders Either fades into the periphery or is Focally sharp
symmetrically sharp

considered suspicious and should therefore be
monitored closely or removed.11,70
7-point checklist
In 1998 Argenziano and colleagues described a 7-
point checklist based on the analysis of 342 pig-
mented skin lesions.32,36,44 They distinguish 3 major
criteria and 4 minor criteria (Table IV). Each major
criterion has a score of 2 points while each minor
criterion has a score of 1 point. A minimum total
score of 3 is required for the diagnosis of malignant
melanoma.
Menzies method
In the Menzies method13,32,49 for diagnosing
melanoma, both of the following negative features
must not be found: a single color (tan, dark brown,
gray, black, blue, and red, but white is not consid-
ered) and point and axial symmetry of pigmenta-
tion (refers to pattern symmetry around any axis
through the center of the lesion). This does not
require the lesion to have symmetry of shape.
Additionally, at least one positive feature must be
found (Table V).
Exceptions to the algorithms
The ABCD rule is not applicable for pigmented
lesions on the palms, soles, or face.11 Palms and soles
have a particular anatomy which is characterized by
marked orthokeratosis and the presence of sulci and
gyri. The sweat ducts join the surface at the summits
of the gyri.11,32 A classification of 10 different
dermoscopy patterns on the palms and soles has
been proposed by Saida et al.72
The face has a very particular anatomic architec-
ture especially concerning the dermoepidermal
junction where rete ridges are shorter. That is why
facial lesions often do not exhibit a regular pigment
network. Dermoscopy shows a broadened pigment
reticulation which is called a pseudonetwork. This
does not correspond to the projection of pigmented
rete ridges. It is due to a homogeneous pigmentation
which is interrupted by the surface openings of the
adnexal structures.11,66,73
The differential diagnosis of a pseudonetwork is
solar lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, lentigo simplex,
melanoma in situ, lichen planuselike keratosis, and
pigmented actinic keratosis.11,66,73 These lesions
are often difficult to distinguish dermoscopically.
However, when there are multiple colors and
a broadened, thickened, and irregular pseudonet-
work, melanoma is often the diagnosis suggested.
Other, more specific characteristics include an an-
nular granular or rhomboidal pattern.11,66,73
Revised pattern analysis
The overall general appearance of color, architec-
tural order, symmetry of pattern, and homogeneity
(CASH) are important components in distinguishing
these two groups. Benign melanocytic lesions tend
to have few colors, architectural order, symmetry of
pattern, or homogeneity. Malignant melanoma often
has many colors and much architectural disorder,
asymmetry of pattern, and heterogeneity.
The reticular pattern or network pattern is the
most common global feature in melanocytic lesions.
This pattern represents the junctional component
118 Braun et al
of a melanocytic nevus (Clark nevus, dysplastic
nevus).32,36,71
Another pattern is the so-called globular pattern.
It is characterized by the presence of numerous
aggregated globules. This pattern is commonly
seen in a congenital nevus, superficial type.32,36,71
The cobblestone pattern is very similar to the
globular pattern but is composed of closer aggre-
gated globules, which are somehow angulated, re-
sembling cobblestones.
The homogeneous pattern appears as diffuse
pigmentation, which might be brown, gray-blue,
gray-black, or reddish black.32,36,71 No pigment
network or any other distinctive dermoscopy struc-
ture is found. An example is the homogeneous steel-
blue color seen in blue nevi.
The so-called starburst pattern is characterized by
the presence of streaks in a radial arrangement,
which is visible at the periphery of the lesion.32,36,71
This pattern is commonly seen in Reed nevi or Spitz
nevi.
The parallel pattern is exclusively found on the
palms and soles due to the particular anatomy of
these areas.32,36,71
The combination of 3 or more distinctive dermo-
scopic structures (ie, network, dots, and globules as
well diffuse areas of hyperpigmentation and hypo-
pigmentation) within a given lesion is called multi-
component pattern.32,36,71 This pattern is highly
suggestive of melanoma, but might be observed in
some cases in acquired melanocytic nevi and con-
genital nevi.
The term lesions with indeterminate patterns
are dermoscopic patterns that can be seen in both
benign and malignant pigmented lesions. Clinically
and dermoscopically, one cannot make a distinction
between whether they are melanomas or atypical
nevi.
In addition to the global features already men-
tioned, the local features (dermoscopic structures
such as the pigment network, dots, and globules, etc)
are important to evaluate melanocytic lesions
(Table VI).
PERSPECTIVES
Because computer hardware has become user-
friendly and more affordable, digital dermoscopy
will become more integrated into the clinical setting.
The currently available digital dermoscopic systems
already have an acceptable picture quality which
comes close to a photograph.74 Digital images offer
the possibility of computer storage and retrieval of
dermoscopic images and patient data.48,75-78 Some
systems even offer the potential of computer-
assisted diagnosis.79-94 Because diagnostic accuracy
J AM ACAD DERMATOL
JANUARY 2005
with dermoscopy has been shown to depend on the
experience of the dermatologist, such objective
systems might help less-experienced dermatologists
in the future.
Another expanding field is teledermoscopy. At
the beginning of the digital dermoscopic era, tele-
dermoscopy was used between experts to exchange
difficult or interesting images. The development of
new electronic media and the evolution of the
Internet will have an important impact as the in-
frastructure becomes available to almost everyone,
and the exchange is now easy to perform. Recent
studies were able to show the feasibility and impor-
tance of teledermoscopy.95-98 This was recently used
in a Consensus Netmeeting on Dermoscopy held in
Rome during the first World57,69 Congress on Der-
moscopy (http://www.dermoscopy.org).32
We thank Dr G. Argenziano, Dr J. Kreusch, Professor S.
Menzies, Professor H. Pehamberger, and Professor W.
Stolz for their suggestions and their permission for the
reproductions. We also thank Dr S. Rabinovitz for her help
during the entire editing process and for her valuable
suggestions.
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