Melanoma mimicking seborrheic keratosis: An error of perception precluding correct dermoscopic diagnosis Journal Article
| Authors: | Braga, J. C. Tavoloni; Scope, A.; Klaz, I.; Mecca, P.; Spencer, P.; Marghoob, A. A. |
| Article Title: | Melanoma mimicking seborrheic keratosis: An error of perception precluding correct dermoscopic diagnosis |
| Abstract: | Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin lesion that can usually be recognized either clinically or dermoscopically. However, melanomas mimicking seborrheic keratoses, as well as melanomas arising in association with seborrheic keratoses, have been described. We report the case of a patient with a lesion that initially revealed "classic" dermoscopic features of a seborrheic keratosis. However, during follow-up, changes in color developed within the center of the lesion that led the clinician to the correct diagnosis of melanoma. Upon retrospective evaluation of the baseline image of the lesion; the clinician was now able to "see" that which his brain could not appreciate on initial examination and to realize that the lesion had subtle features suspect for melanoma. This case represents a diagnostic pitfall due to errors in perception. Dermatologists should be cognizant of "errors in perception"; we suggest that a final dermoscopic judgment of a seborrheic keratosis be rendered by combining the gestalt diagnosis of the overall pattern, with deliberate dermoscopic analysis of all quadrants of the lesion. © 2008 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. |
| Keywords: | human tissue; aged; clinical feature; case report; follow up; melanoma; dermoscopy; skin biopsy; skin neoplasms; retrospective study; epiluminescence microscopy; diagnostic errors; head and neck neoplasms; skin examination; diagnostic error; risk reduction; perception; keratosis, seborrheic; seborrheic dermatitis |
| Journal Title: | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology |
| Volume: | 58 |
| Issue: | 5 |
| ISSN: | 0190-9622 |
| Publisher: | Mosby Elsevier |
| Date Published: | 2008-05-01 |
| Start Page: | 875 |
| End Page: | 880 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.12.011 |
| PUBMED: | 18328596 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 8" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: JAADD" - "Source: Scopus" |
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