Dermoscopy Vascular Structures

Pigmented skin lesions may have different vascular structures. Vascular structures are best visualized when there is only light pressure applied to the lesion during examination.

Comma vessels are seen in melanocytic nevi, especially in dermal nevi but rarely seen in melanomas.

Wreath vessels are seen exclusively in sebaceous hyperplasias. These vessels can be seen winding around the sebaceous lobules.

Hairpin vessels are common in melanomas and seborrheic keratoses but may also occur in basal cell carcinomas, keratoacanthomas and in melanocytic nevi.

Linear irregular vessels are relatively common in melanomas. They are rare in melanocytic nevi.

Dotted vessels are common in all types of melanocytic tumors and may also be seen in seborrheic keratoses.

Arborizing vessels are a common and highly characteristic feature of basal cell carcinomas. The vessels seen in nonpigmented dermal nevi on the face are usually linear and not branched.

Vessels occur frequently within the white areas of regressive melanomas.