Race-Specific and Skin of Color Dermatoscopic Characteristics of Skin Cancer: A Literature Review

Race-Specific and Skin of Color Dermatoscopic Characteristics of Skin Cancer: A Literature Review

Authors

  • Emmanouil Karampinis Second Dermatology Department, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Aimilios Lallas First Dermatology Department, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Elizabeth Lazaridou Second Dermatology Department, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Enzo Errichetti Institute of Dermatology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
  • Zoe Apalla Second Dermatology Department, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Keywords:

dermoscopy, skin of colour, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, Bowen's disease, melanoma, Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, Blacks

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with melanin-rich skin account for the majority of the world's population. However, literature data regarding dermoscopic characteristics of skin cancer in skin of color (SoC) are scarce. The dermoscopic characteristics of cutaneous tumors might differ among skin types due to heterogeneity in composition and pigmentation.

Objectives: To summarize literature data on the dermoscopic findings of skin neoplasms according to the skin color and race.

Methods:  The literature search was performed using the PubMed database up to December 30, 2022, and was conducted with the use of terms referring to dermoscopy, race (Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, and Black/African), and skin cancer types (basal cell carcinoma [BCC], squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], keratoacanthoma, Bowen disease, and melanoma).

Results: In total, 30 race-specific records were included. Nine SoC records for BCCs (2 BCC studies in Hispanics, 1 BCC study in Black individuals, and 6 BCC studies in Asians), 9 SoC records for SCCs ( 1 SCC study in Hispanics ,1 SCC study in Black individuals and 7 SCCs in Asian population), and 8 SoC records for melanoma (2 melanoma studies in Hispanics, 1  in Blacks, and 5  in Asians) were compared with 4 records that involved only a Caucasian population, according to their participant section as well as with studies on dermoscopy characteristics without focusing on race origins and phototype of the patient.

Conclusion: Based on a review of studies including Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians and Blacks /Africans, SoC patients present with more frequent and unique dermatoscopy features of skin cancers. 

References

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Published

2023-10-04

How to Cite

1.
Karampinis E, Lallas A, Lazaridou E, Errichetti E, Apalla Z. Race-Specific and Skin of Color Dermatoscopic Characteristics of Skin Cancer: A Literature Review. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2023;13(S1):e2023311S. doi:10.5826/dpc.1304S1a311S

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