Ultraviolet-induced fluorescent dermoscopy for the diagnosis of skin tumors: A multicenter study

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2026 Mar;94(3):835-842. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2025.10.131. Epub 2025 Oct 30.

Abstract

Background: Ultraviolet-induced fluorescent dermoscopy (UVFD) is a novel dermoscopic technique that has shown potential to improve diagnostic accuracy for select conditions in small case series. However, its performance has not yet been assessed in a large cohort of cutaneous tumors.

Objective: To evaluate the role of UVFD in cutaneous tumors.

Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included consecutive lesions assessed at 3 tertiary care clinics in Chile, France, and Poland. Standard polarized dermoscopic images and UVFD images were independently reviewed by 2 expert dermoscopists, with consensus evaluation. Established dermoscopic criteria, as well as border definition and the presence of "ochre color" under UVFD, were specifically assessed.

Results: Five hundred fifty-one lesions were included. The most frequent diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma (28.2%), followed by melanocytic nevus (18.6%) and melanoma (12.8%). Keratin, comedo-like openings, and fissures and ridges were better seen under UVFD. The border definition of lesions was also better seen under UVFD. Ochre color was seen under UVFD mostly in invasive melanomas.

Limitations: Retrospective study. Some diagnoses were underrepresented.

Conclusion: UVFD enhances specific keratin-related dermoscopic structures and colors. It also provides for better border delineation and may help in identifying invasive melanomas via the presence of ochre color.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; dermatoscopy; dermoscopy; fluorescence; melanoma; seborrheic keratosis; skin cancer; ultraviolet.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Dermoscopy* / methods
  • Female
  • Fluorescence
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma* / diagnosis
  • Melanoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus, Pigmented* / diagnostic imaging
  • Nevus, Pigmented* / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Ultraviolet Rays*