Melanoma and basal cell carcinoma: Mimickers of each other

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma display unique dermoscopic features, at times they can mimic each other. A few clinical and dermoscopic algorithms, including the ABCD rule and the seven-point checklist, have been developed to simplify the diagnostic process. However, these tumors may present ambiguous dermoscopic patterns, lacking typical dermoscopic criteria. We present four cases where dermoscopic structures act as a confounding factor for the incorrect diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. This work aims to improve the differentiation between melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. These tumors can sometimes be clinically similar and this can interfere with treatment if the correct diagnosis is not made.