Kosin Medical Journal (Sep 2023)

Dermoscopic features of an unusual case of targetoid hemosiderotic nevus

  • Sun Mun Jeong,
  • Jang Hwan Jung,
  • Do Ik Kwon,
  • Seol Hwa Seong,
  • Ji Yun Jang,
  • Jong Bin Park,
  • Min Soo Jang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.22.119
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 38, no. 3
pp. 215 – 218

Abstract

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Targetoid hemosiderotic nevus (THN) is a rare variant of melanocytic nevus, characterized by a sudden development of a targetoid ecchymotic halo around a pre-existing nevus. THN clinically raises concern for malignant transformation due to its abrupt change in color and size. THN should be distinguished from other diseases showing a peripheral halo, including targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma, halo nevus, and Meyerson nevus. Dermoscopy can help clinicians to differentiate THN from these diseases. The typical dermoscopic features of THN are known to be divided into two distinctive areas: the central melanocytic area and the peripheral ecchymotic area. In our case, dermoscopy revealed a novel bull’s eye pattern composed of a central area with characteristic features of benign melanocytic nevus, an intermediated white circular ring, and a peripheral milky red area. When a sudden change occurs in a pre-existing nodule showing targetoid features, dermoscopy should be considered before conducting a biopsy or surgical intervention.

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