Melanoacanthoma simulating pigmented spitz nevus: an unusual dermoscopy pitfall.

BACKGROUND: The starburst pattern is the dermoscopic hallmark of pigmented Spitz nevus, although it has been rarely observed in melanoma as well.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of melanoacanthoma simulating pigmented Spitz nevus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic examinations were performed for the occurrence of a 4-mm pigmented skin lesion on the hip of a 38-year-old Caucasian woman.

RESULTS: Dermoscopy examination of the lesion disclosed a stereotypical starburst pattern characterized by pigmented streaks symmetrically distributed at the periphery. A preoperative diagnosis of pigmented Spitz nevus was made, and the lesion was excised. However, subsequent histopathologic examination revealed a melanoacanthoma.

CONCLUSION: The starburst pattern, although diagnostic for pigmented Spitz nevus, can be rarely observed in other benign or malignant pigmented skin lesions. Accordingly, all lesions in adults exhibiting a starburst pattern or other spitzoid features should be excised for histopathologic evaluation.