Reflectance confocal microscopy features of facial angiofibromas

Abstract

Facial angiofibromas are benign tumors presenting as firm, dome-shaped flesh-colored to pink papules, typically on the nose and adjoining central face. Clinically and dermoscopically they can mimic melanocytic nevi or basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive imaging tool that is useful in diagnosing melanocytic and non-melanocytic facial lesions. To date no studies have described the RCM features of facial angiofibromas. Herein, we present two cases of facial angiofibromas that were imaged with RCM and revealed tumor island-like structures that mimicked BCC, leading to skin biopsy.

Keywords

• reflectance confocal microscopy
• dermoscopy
• angiofibroma
• fibrous papule
• basal cell carcinoma