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Feature Article Dermoscopy
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Vascular features to look for in the dermoscopy of cutaneous tumours

John Pyne
Abstract
Examining the skin using dermoscopy provides valuable information not seen with the naked eye. Vascular features relevant in the assessment of primary nonlymphoid cutaneous tumours are discussed.
Key Points
  • Dermoscopy provides the clinician with immediate convenient magnification when examining the skin.
  • Distinctive vascular features identified during dermoscopy facilitate the diagnosis of a range of both benign and malignant tumours.
  • Benign tumours often have monomorphic vessels distributed in regular patterns over the tumour footprint.
  • Malignant tumours characteristically display polymorphic vessels in irregular arrangements within a tumour.
  • Acquiring skill in dermoscopy can reduce the number of excisions of benign tumours and improve the identification of malignant tumours.
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