Clinical, Dermoscopic And Histopathological Study Of Skin Tumors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Skin tumors are commonly encountered, yet some are difficult to diagnose as they mimic other conditions. Dermoscopic evaluation is a non invasive diagnostic technique, although histopathology is the gold standard. Thus, diagnosis can be done by correlating clinical features, dermoscopy and histological features, which helps in early detection and treatment. This study documents the prevalence of skin tumors in Southern India, with its dermoscopic and histopathological features. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess prevalence, dermoscopic features, histopathological characteristics of various skin tumors attending the OPD in the Northern part of Karnataka MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital based, cross-sectional study Patients presenting with clinically diagnosed cases of skin tumors were subjected to clinical and dermoscopic evaluation and histopathological confirmation. Tumors were classified into 5 categories- keratinocytic, melanocytic, appendageal, soft tissue and miscellaneous tumors. These were sub divided into benign, pre malignant and malignant tumors. The prevalence and dermoscopic features of these tumors was noted. RESULTS: Among 37589 patients attending dermatology OPD at Shri BM Patil medical college during this period, 116 patients had skin tumors; with a prevalence of 0.30 Out of 116 skin tumors observed, 65% were benign tumors (most prevalent- Melanocytic nevi in 13.79%; most common dermoscopic feature- brown globules), 14% were pre-malignant tumors (most prevalent- Actinic chelitis in 5.17%; most common dermoscopic feature- vascular polymorphism) 21% were malignant (most prevalent- basal cell carcinoma in 12.07%; most common dermoscopic feature- blue gray globules). Among the groups, 44.83% were keratinocytic tumors, 28.31% soft tissue tumors, 13.79% melanocytic tumors, 10.34% appendageal tumors, 3.45% miscellaneous tumors were seen. CONCLUSION: Benign tumors were most prevalent (most prevalent- pyogenic granuloma), followed by were malignant (most prevalent- basal cell carcinoma) and then the pre-malignant tumors (most prevalent- Actinic chelitis). There was a good agreement between clinic-dermoscopic diagnosis and histopathological confirmation. Hence it appears that the use of dermoscopy improves the clinical diagnostic protocol.