New Dermoscopy Pattern in Nevus-Associated Melanomas

Abstract

Melanomas can appear de novo or in association with a pre-existing nevus. The association of melanomas with pre-existing nevi and its role as a melanoma precursor is a controversial issue. Dermoscopy can increase melanoma's diagnostic accuracy and help us suspect nevus-associated melanomas (NAM). Differentiating NAMs clinically and dermoscopically can be challenging. There are few published studies so far describing dermoscopic features of NAM that have differentiated from de novo melanomas, such as multi-component pattern, multifocal pigmentation, atypical pigment network, regression structures, negative pigment network, irregular globules, and streaks. Here, we report four acquired compound NAMs showing a starburst pattern (SP) within the lesion. No publications have reported NAMs with melanoma components in the form of SP arising within the center of the lesion. Therefore, when faced with a compound or intradermal nevus with incipient central reticulated pigmentation, especially if there is no history of trauma or previous surgery, we must pay alert to the possibility of an early development of melanoma.