The Importance of Dermoscopy for Early Recognition of Superficial Spreading Melanoma in Adolescents: A Case Report

Authors

  • Cherry Chalik Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Esthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas/Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
  • Ennesta Asri Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Esthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas/Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
  • Indah Indria Sari Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Esthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas/Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37275/bsm.v9i3.1216

Keywords:

Adolescent, Case report, Dermoscopy, Early diagnosis, Melanoma

Abstract

Background: Malignant melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, is rare in adolescents. Early diagnosis is crucial for the best possible treatment and prognosis. Dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique, has been shown to increase the sensitivity of melanoma diagnosis, leading to early identification and better treatment outcomes.

Case presentation: A 14-year-old female presented with a painful, bleeding black nevus on her right upper arm, increasing in size over four months. Dermoscopic examination, using a two-step algorithm and the ABCD rule, categorized the lesion as malignant melanoma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of superficial spreading melanoma (Breslow 2, AJCC stage IIB). The patient underwent Mohs surgery for treatment.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of dermoscopy in the early recognition of melanoma in adolescents. Dermoscopy aids in differentiating between benign and malignant melanocytic lesions, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment. Increased awareness and utilization of dermoscopy can significantly improve outcomes in this patient population.

Authors

  • Cherry Chalik1*
  • Ennesta Asri1
  • Indah Indria Sari1
  1. 1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Esthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas/Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

Corresponding author Cherry Chalik — cherrychalik@gmail.com

Article history

  1. Submitted
  2. Accepted
  3. Published

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Published

2025-01-06

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How to Cite

1.
Cherry Chalik, Ennesta Asri, Indah Indria Sari. The Importance of Dermoscopy for Early Recognition of Superficial Spreading Melanoma in Adolescents: A Case Report. Bioscmed [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 6 [cited 2026 Aug. 12];9(3):771-85. Available from: https://bioscmed.com/index.php/bsm/article/view/1216

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