To evaluate dermoscopic features that distinguish malignant from benign acral lesions.
Key Findings:
The parallel ridge pattern was present in 79.6% of melanomas and 0.6% of benign nevi, with 80% sensitivity and 99.4% specificity.
Multicomponent patterns were found in 45.8% of melanomas and 5.0% of benign nevi.
The parallel furrow pattern was seen in 51.8% of benign nevi compared to 8.9% of melanomas.
Fibrillar patterns showed similar rates in melanoma and benign nevi (19.0% vs 14.9%) and were not statistically associated with malignancy.
Interpretation:
The parallel ridge and multicomponent patterns are strong indicators of melanoma, while parallel furrow and latticelike patterns are more indicative of benign lesions.
Limitations:
Heterogeneity in study design and dermoscopic definitions.
Many studies were retrospective and single-center.
Limited reporting on patient skin type, especially in diverse populations.
Conclusion:
A hierarchical, multi-feature approach is recommended for evaluating acral lesions, emphasizing the need for further research in diverse populations.
