Facial pigmented lesions can present a diagnostic challenge, particularly when early malignant lesions mimic benign conditions or lack the classic dermoscopic features clinicians expect to see. In these cases, a different way of thinking can make all the difference.
In this short presentation, Dr Gabriella Brancaccio introduces the inverse approach for facial pigmented lesions — a diagnostic strategy designed to improve the recognition of early lentigo maligna.
Rather than focusing first on identifying malignant features, the inverse approach begins by looking for the dermoscopic criteria of common benign lesions. When these reassuring features are absent, it may be an important clue that further investigation is warranted.
Drawing on clinical cases, Dr Brancaccio explains how this approach emerged from her own experience with a deceptively subtle lesion that proved to be lentigo maligna despite lacking the typical dermoscopic criteria. She demonstrates how the inverse approach can be applied in practice, highlighting the benign features associated with pigmented actinic keratosis, solar lentigo and seborrhoeic keratosis, and showing how their presence (or absence) can guide clinical decision-making.
If you're looking to improve diagnostic confidence, watch the short presentation below to learn how the inverse approach can help you navigate these diagnostically challenging cases.
🎓 Short Courses in Dermoscopy
Explore single-topic CPD courses for focused learning in dermoscopy. Complete in less than 10 hours, from $195.
➡️ Browse Short Courses >
🎓 Certificate Courses in Dermoscopy
Dive deeper with our structured Professional Diploma pathway from foundation to subspecialisation, delivered in collaboration with the International Dermoscopy Society.
➡️ Explore certificate program >
🎓 HealthCert 365 subscription
Prefer flexible learning across many topics? Access 4,000+ CPD hours on-demand with HealthCert 365 — anytime, any topic, one flat annual fee.
➡️ Discover HealthCert 365 >
Explore more free educational content in Dermoscopy
Dr Gabriella Brancaccio is a doctor of medicine at Dermatology Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” (University of Campania) in Naples, Italy. She is on the Executive Board of the International Dermoscopy Society as part of the Scientific Project Committee.
You can self-record CPD for this video. Quick Log CPD hours with the RACGP/ACRRM via the usual self-submission process. You will be asked to reflect on what you have learned, and you will require supporting evidence such as a screenshot. For more information, view the: RACGP CPD guide | ACRRM CPD guide