Melanin

Fibrosis

Regression

Pattern AnalysisPattern AnalysisThe differentiation of The differentiation of

melanocytic nevi from melanocytic nevi from melanomamelanoma

Colors

Symmetry

Organization

The evaluation of melanocytic lesions:

BlackBlack

Brown Brown

GrayGray BlueBlue

RedRed

WhiteWhite YellowYellow

Benign lesions generally have 3 or less colors. The most common colors being light brown, dark brown, and black.

Malignant lesions generally have more than 3 colors.

Symmetry/ Asymmetry

Symmetry refers to the distribution of colors and structures on either side of the axis and not the shape of the lesion.

Biaxial Symmetry Monaxial Symmetry

Asymmetry refers to the distribution of colors and structures on either side of the axis; there is no mirror image. Malignant lesions usually have biaxial asymmetry

Monaxial Asymmetry Biaxial Asymmetry

Asymmetry

Organization/ Disorganization Organization refers to the uniformity of structures and their distribution in specific locations as seen in benign patterns.

Disorganization refers to the non-uniformity of structures and their departure from benign patterns.

Dermoscopic PatternsDermoscopic Patterns

NeviMalignant

Melanoma

Dermoscopy helps the clinician decide which category the lesion should be placed in:

(1) Benign Patterns (2) Uncertain Patterns (3) Malignant Patterns

1

2

3

Benign Patterns

NeviNevi Malignant Malignant melanomamelanoma