Localized acquired lymphangiectasias after breast surgery: Enhanced non-invasive diagnosis using dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Acquired lymphangiectasias represent cystic dilatations of the cutaneous lymphatic vessels resulting from damage and/or obstruction of previously normal lymphatics, usually secondary to surgery, radiotherapy, and/or infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical, dermoscopic, and confocal microscopy features of three cases of acquired lymphangiectasias occurring after breast surgery are described along with histopathological correlations.

RESULTS: Polarized dermoscopy revealed in all lesions the presence of well-circumscribed, white-yellowish lacunae surrounded by pale septa. In addition, some lesions showed scattered reddish areas and red lacunae. Confocal microscopy showed in the upper dermis numerous, roundish dark cavities separated by thin septa. These features corresponded histopathologically to saccular dilations and ectatic lymphatic vessels lined by a single layer of endothelial cells in the papillary/reticular dermis.

CONCLUSION: The use of non-invasive diagnostic techniques may be addressed to an enhanced non-invasive diagnosis of acquired lymphangiectasias by showing peculiar features, thus avoiding the need for skin biopsy.