Typical dermoscopic patterns of benign melanocytic nevi.

Overview

Dermoscopy often is an effective diagnostic tool for differentiating benign and malignant pigmented skin lesions. The observed dermoscopic structures and patterns of lesions provide valuable sources of information that are not accessible by routine clinical examination. Recognition and interpretation of these dermoscopic structures and patterns require training and experience. Mentioned here are some fundamental guidelines for differentiating malignant and benign lesions. Some of the classic patterns associated with a list of benign melanocytic nevi also have been illustrated. Additional research is needed to identify other patterns of these benign lesions. More importantly, analysis of the prevalence of various patterns associated with the various benign lesions will be helpful to clinicians having the responsibility of making in vivo diagnoses of benign compared with malignant melanocytic neoplasms.