Distribution of the dermatoscopic features of melanoma of trunk and extremities according to the anatomic sub-location

Detailed analysis of the clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics of 400 melanomas located on the trunk and extremities according to the precise anatomic sublocation. This was a retrospective study that included 400 dermatoscopic images of histopathologically diagnosed melanomas arising on six different anatomic sub-locations. The dermatoscopic images of the included tumors were evaluated for presence of predefined dermatoscopic criteria. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify significant correlations between dermatoscopic criteria and anatomic sub-locations.
Regression structures (OR=1.80) and shiny white lines (OR=2.12) were significantly more frequent in melanomas located on the upper back, as compared to all other sub-locations. Negative pigment network (OR=2.51) was more frequent in melanomas located on abdomen. Irregular dots/globules (OR=2.25) and atypical vascular pattern (OR=2.09) were associated with the location of upper extremities. Melanomas on the lower extremities displayed irregular hyperpigmented areas (OR=3.18) and prominent skin markings (OR=6.00) more frequently as compared to all other sub-locations.