Reflected light microscopy, zonally superimposed spots

Into the incident light plane projected, superimposed, differently tinted spots, which can occur as a single phenomenon of malignant melanoma.

Reflected light microscopy: Symmetrical, cocard-like patterns with macular pigmentation without internal structure. In the centre a dark brown to black hue predominates, surrounded by a slate grey ring with transition to a peripheral, differently red coloured seam (vascular component).

For small malignant melanomas, usually with a clinical diameter of less than 5 mm. Post-inflammatory melanin pigment deposits can mimic a melanoma.

Spot-like embedded melanin pigment in all skin layers, from the stratum corneum (black to dark brown) down to the stratum reticulare (slate grey to steel blue). In addition, melanophagus agglomerates in the upper dermis as well as capillary vascular ectasia and inflammatory infiltrates can be found.