Abstract
Background: Acral melanocytic nevi have parallel patterns on dermoscopy; however, it is not understood why pigment distributions exhibit such patterns. Aim: To clarify the reason why melanin distributions in acral melanocytic nevi exhibit a parallel pattern on dermoscopy. Methods: A serial sectioning perpendicular to the skin markings was performed, and each section was stained with modified Fontana-Masson staining to pick out melanin granules. These sections were then reconstructed to three-dimensional images by an image processing software, and these three-dimensional images were analyzed. Results: Melanin columns in the cornified layer were mainly seen in the dermoscopic images of acral melanocytic nevi. In the parallel-furrow pattern melanin columns were arranged vertically, and in the fibrillar pattern they were arranged in a slanting fashion. Conclusion: Melanin columns in the cornified layer, not melanin in the basal layer, mainly contribute to the dermoscopic pattern of acral melanocytic nevi.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 205-212 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Dermatology |
Volume | 216 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 Mar 1 |
Keywords
- Acral melanocytic nevus
- Dermoscopy
- Fibrillar pattern
- Melanin column
- Parallel-furrow pattern
- Three-dimensional
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology