Pigmented seborrheic keratoses of the vulva clinically mimicking a malignant melanoma: a clinical, dermoscopic-pathologic case study

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005 Jan;30(1):17-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2004.01594.x.

Abstract

The diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is, in general, a clinical one, but in some cases, the differential diagnosis between pigmented seborrheic keratosis and malignant melanoma is difficult. Dermoscopy may improve the early diagnosis of vulvar melanoma and thus play a role in the preoperative classification of pigmented lesions at this particular site. We report the first case of a pigmented seborrheic keratosis of the vulva clinically mimicking a malignant melanoma, whose dermoscopic features have been investigated together with their pathologic correlates. Dermoscopically our case shows the absence of comedo-like openings and the presence of the pseudo-network. Dermoscopy is therefore a useful method for the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions even in the vulva.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dermatology / methods
  • Dermoscopy / standards*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratosis, Seborrheic / pathology*
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Vulvar Diseases / pathology*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology*