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Background Based on the dermoscopic classification of acquired melanocytic naevi, six different dermoscopic types can be distinguished by morphology (globular, globular-reticular, globular-homogeneous, reticular, reticular-homogeneous, homogeneous) and by pigment distribution (uniform, central hyperpigmentation, central hypopigmentation, peripheral hyperpigmentation, peripheral hypopigmentation, multifocal hyper/hypopigmentation). It has been suggested that most individuals harbour one predominant dermoscopic type among their naevi. Objectives To evaluate whether the age of the patient influences the predominant naevus pattern observed in individuals with multiple acquired melanocytic naevi. Methods Individuals were recruited from the pigmented skin lesion clinic in Graz between July 2000 and February 2001. Individuals with at least 10 melanocytic naevi were selected consecutively until a total of 10 individuals in each of five age groups was obtained. Age groups were: 0-15 years, 16-30 years, 31-45 years, 46-60 years and > 60 years. Digitized images of acquired melanocytic naevi, defined as benign melanocytic proliferations having a diameter of at least 5 mm with a macular component and which were not apparent within the first year of life, were evaluated by dermoscopic criteria. The associations of dermoscopic features as a function of patient age were analysed. We calculated absolute numbers and frequencies, given as percentages, as well as predominance of the dermoscopic types of naevi in the different age groups. Results Analysis of 1268 naevi revealed that the globular pattern predominated in the youngest age group. By contrast, the reticular and/or homogeneous patterns were increasingly exhibited in naevi from older individuals (older than 15 years). Uniform pigmentation was most common in melanocytic naevi in the youngest age group, while central hyperpigmentation was predominantly seen in the group of individuals aged 16-30 years. Conclusions The predominance of dermoscopic types of melanocytic naevi varies according to the individual's age. Awareness of the age-related dermoscopic predominance of melanocytic naevi might allow more accurate recognition of dermoscopic patterns of melanocytic skin lesions that are unusual with respect to the individual's age. This observation may help in the early recognition of some 'banal'-appearing melanomas. Furthermore, the observations made in this study raise interesting questions regarding naevus evolution.

Summary Background Recent research suggests that scalp naevi differ with respect to their epidemiology, patient characteristics and morphological patterns, but currently a classification of scalp naevi is lacking. Objectives To investigate the prevalence, together with clinical and dermoscopic features, of scalp naevi detected in persons attending a skin cancer screening programme, and to elaborate a classification of scalp naevi based on their most common morphological patterns. Methods Participants were recruited during the melanoma prevention programme ‘sun watch’ of Austrian Cancer Aid in Styria. Each participant received a clinical and dermoscopic total-body skin examination including the scalp. For each participant, demographics and clinical characteristics including number of scalp naevi were recorded. Clinical and dermoscopic photographs of at least one scalp naevus per participant were taken and evaluated for specific clinical and dermoscopic features. Results In total 867 subjects, including 119 participants (13·7%) with scalp naevi, participated in the study. Compared with those without scalp naevi, subjects with scalp naevi were significantly younger, were more often men and more often exhibited congenital naevi on the body (P

A rare variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) characterized by prominent involvement of the eccrine glands with syringometaplasia has been reported in the past as "syringolymphoid hyperplasia with alopecia," "syringotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma," "adnexotropic T-cell lymphoma," or "syringotropic MF." The clinicopathologic features of this variant are not well understood, and only a few case reports or small series have been published to date. We reviewed the clinicopathologic features of 14 patients with syringotropic MF (male:female=10:4; median age, 59 years; mean age, 57.8; age range, 33 to 83 y). Six patients had variably large, solitary patches or plaques, located on the thigh (n=3), arm, trunk, or eyebrow (1 each). The other 8 patients had multiple, mostly generalized lesions. A history of MF was known in 4 of these 8 patients. With the exception of 1 biopsy specimen that was too superficial and did include the eccrine secretory coils but not the eccrine glands, all cases showed prominent involvement of the eccrine glands. Variable degrees of syringometaplasia ranging from small to large epithelial complexes were present in all specimens. The eccrine glands and syringometaplastic structures were surrounded by dense lymphoid infiltrates with prominent epitheliotropism. Concomitant involvement of the epidermis and of the hair follicles was observed in 13 and 8 biopsies, respectively. This is the largest series of syringotropic MF, showing that this is a rare variant of the disease with peculiar clinicopathologic features. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be aware of this rare variant of MF to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment.