Dermoscopic features of cutaneous melanoma are associated with clinical characteristics of patients and tumours and with MC1R genotype. (4th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fargnoli, M.C.; Sera, F.; Suppa, M.; Piccolo, D.; Landi, M.T.; Chiarugi, A.; Pellegrini, C.; Seidenari, S.; Peris, K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Volume 28:Number 12(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1768
• Page End: 1775
• Publication Date: 2014-03-04
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0926-9959

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jdv12411-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jdv12411-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Several algorithms are available for the dermoscopic diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions. The <italic>MC1R</italic> gene is a key determinant of pigmentation characteristics that are established host‐related melanoma risk factors.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12411-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To investigate the association of dermoscopic features of sporadic cutaneous melanomas with clinical characteristics of patients and corresponding tumours and with genetic changes in the <italic>MC1R</italic> and <italic>BRAF</italic> genes.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12411-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A total of 64 dermoscopic images of 62 patients were scored by ABCD rule and modified pattern analysis. Detailed patients' and melanomas' characteristics were collected. Patients were screened for germline <italic>MC1R</italic> variants and related melanomas for somatic V600 <italic>BRAF</italic> mutations.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12411-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>A lower total dermoscopic score (TDS) was observed in melanomas of patients with red hair (<italic>P</italic> = 0.019), due to reduced dermoscopic structures (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001). Thicker melanomas showed higher TDS values (<italic>P</italic> = 0.021) due to sharper borders (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001) and higher number of colors (<italic>P</italic> = 0.004). An atypical pigment network was prevalent in superficial spreading melanomas (<italic>P</italic> = 0.010), in individuals with dark skin (<italic>P</italic> = 0.043) and hair color (<italic>P</italic> = 0.001). An atypical vascular pattern was more frequent in nodular (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001) and thick (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001) melanomas, in individuals with skin type I‐II (<italic>P</italic> = 0.037), blond or red hair color (<italic>P</italic> = 0.032) and blue or green eyes (<italic>P</italic> = 0.014). Melanomas of <italic>MC1R</italic> R carriers showed lower TDS value (<italic>P</italic> = 0.037), reduced dermoscopic structures (<italic>P</italic> = 0.001) and lower prevalence of atypical pigment network (<italic>P</italic> = 0.001). No differences were identified between <italic>BRAF‐</italic>mutated or wild‐type melanomas.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12411-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>We suggest a phenotypic/<italic>MC1R</italic> profile for melanoma patients and their tumours. Melanomas of <italic>MC1R</italic> R carriers show a significant lower TDS value, with reduced dermoscopic structures, and a lower prevalence of an atypical pigment network. Non‐carriers of <italic>MC1R R</italic> variants develop melanomas dermoscopically characterized by an atypical pigment network which is prevalent in superficial spreading melanomas, in patients with dark complexion and less frequent in red‐haired individuals.</p> </sec> </abstract>