Spitzoid Melanoma: Dermoscopic Report and Diagnostic Discussion

Abstract

We present a case of a 16-year-old young man who came for a dermatologic appointment due to acne. He presented a pigmented asymptomatic lesion on the back of his right thigh. Dermoscopic examination revealed uncommon aspects, highly suspect of nodular melanoma, in particular a blue-whitish veil, striae and asymmetric globules. The lesion was promptly removed and the material referred for histopathologic examination. Microscopic findings showed an atypical spitzoid tumor, compatible with spitzoid melanoma. In this report, the importance of dermoscopy as an auxiliary method in the early diagnosis of cutaneous melanomas is emphasized. Its daily use by the dermatologist is an important tool in the decision-making process in cases of urgent removal of suspect lesions.