Dermoscopy of lip pigmentation in a Laugier-Hunziker syndrome

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is an acquired, benign, macular hyperpigmentation of buccal mucosa lips (and nails). Histologically, pigmentations are due to an accumulation of melanin in the basal layer keratinocytes and an increase in the number of melanophages in the submucosa and/or papillary dermis.

We report dermoscopic pictures of lip pigmentations in this syndrome.

In our case, dermoscopy revealed a reticular pattern and also linear or curvilinear streaks making a parallel pattern.

Reference:

Dermoscopic findings in Laugier-Hunziker syndrome. Gencoglan et al. Arch Dermatol. 2007; 143(5): 631-633

Labial lentigo

A 15-year-old girl consulted for this acquired pigmented lesion on her lower lip.
This lesion was solitary.

Dermoscopy revealed a pigmentation with a parallel pattern of light-brown to dark-brown streaks which were linear or curvilinear.

This dermoscopic presentation was quite typical of lentigos of the mucous membranes.

We must note that melanoma-specific criteria (atypical pigment network, irregular dots and globules, blue-white veil etc...) are not found in benign lentigos of the oral and genital mucous membranes.

In our case, a biopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of benign labial lentigo.

Milkline nevus

A 30-year-old woman consulted for a nevus on her left breast. This lesion was stable for many years.

Milkline nevi are located on the bilateral lines extending from the axilla through the areola and peri-ombilical area to the groin and genitalia.
They can be difficult to distinguish from melanomas.



At dermoscopy, milkine nevi often display a reticular or a parallel pattern at the periphery of the lesion.


On this picture, a parallel pattern is well seen. Management decision consisted in a 3-month follow-up.
This parallel pattern is also observable in nevi of the mucous membranes and nevi on the flexural skin (poplitea /antecubital fossa)