Issue 7/2025
Kafelova, А., Mateeva, V., Mateev, G., Drenovska, K.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University – Sofia
Pigmented skin lesions are frequently encountered in clinical practice and often pose a diagnostic challenge, given that they can exhibit malignant potential. Prompt recognition, particularly of early-stage melanoma, is vital to achieving favorable prognosis. In this context, general practitioners play a key role in initial assessment and timely specialist referral. Amongst the non-invasive diagnostic tools of contemporary dermatology, dermoscopy occupies a central role. When performed by trained clinicians, it has been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 30%, while simultaneously reducing the number of unnecessary excisions of benign lesions. Dermoscopy enables the visualization of morphologic structures at the level of the epidermis, the dermoepidermal junction, and the papillary dermis, which are not discernible to the unaided eye. The present article outlines five clinical cases that illustrate characteristic dermoscopic features of both benign and malignant pigmented lesions, including: melanocytic nevus, seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, superficial spreading melanoma, and pigmented fibroma. Each case is accompanied by a clinical description, dermoscopic findings, and relevant differential diagnostic considerations, with a focus on practical application in primary care settings.
Кey words: dermoscopy, pigmented lesions, melanocytic nevus, seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, superficial spreading melanoma, and pigmented fibroma.
Address for correspondence:
Kafelova, A.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology,
MU – Sofia, UMBHAL „Alexandrovska“ EAD
1, „St. Georgi Sofiyski“ ,Str.
1431, Sofia
e-mail: dr.aylin.kafelova@gmail.com