Dermoscopic features of melanocyte-derived tumors in mucosal sites: a case control study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare tumor characterized by aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis. Typically, its diagnosis occurs at the onset of symptoms in advanced lesions, often leading to adverse effects. Dermoscopy significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of malignant melanoma, making it valuable for adjunctive diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the imaging features of cutaneous melanocytic lesions in mucosal areas. METHODS: Dermoscopic images of melanocytic-derived tumors in mucosal sites up until December 2021 were searched in the International Cooperative Skin Imaging Database. Duplicate and pathologically undiagnosed images were excluded. The diagnostic efficacy of various microscopic modalities were calculated and the impact of age on these features was examined. Results: Based on our data, the main signs in the skin images of mucosal melanoma were blue-grey dots accompanied by 2 colored structureless areas, both displaying a figure of 93.3% and a specificity of 66.7%. The prevalence of small blue-grey dot structures in MM was significantly higher in comparison to the younger age group (OR 7, 95% CI 5-9, P<0.001). Conclusion: Blue-grey dots are the most sensitive and specific characteristics associated with diagnosis of MM. Moreover, the presence of blue-grey dots in the elderly population further suggests the likelihood of MM.