Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is an uncommon but benign glandular neoplasm, known to arise in association with nevus sebaceus, that can present with variance in morphology. The diverse presentation of SCAP creates a diagnostic challenge that often lends reliance on biopsy for confirmation. In children, this can be an invasive, painful, and undesired procedure. This case illustrates the utility of reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of SCAP and highlights characteristic features seen using this diagnostic tool.

Melanocytic nevi are frequently observed in the pediatric population. While newly acquired nevi can appear during childhood, congenital nevi can continue to grow and clinically change, making patient caregivers concerned. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in vivo is a noninvasive tool that might enhance the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy, reducing the rate of unnecessary surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the utility of RCM in increasing the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric melanocytic nevi that show pigmentation changes or grow rapidly.

Pediatric patients who presented between January 2022 and February 2023 in a single institution with rapidly growing melanocytic nevi or nevi that presented changes in the pigmentation were included in the study. All nevi were evaluated by means of dermoscopy and RCM.

Forty-two patients with a total of 42 melanocytic nevi were included. Most lesions showed a honeycombed pattern (n = 21, 50%). On RCM, only 3 of 42 nevi presented atypical cells within the epidermis (7.1%). Evaluation of the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) revealed the predominance of the meshwork pattern (n = 22, 52.4%). Notably, features considered significant for atypical melanocytic nevi included 9 nevi with scant atypical melanocytes (21.4%) and 3 nevi with nonedge papillae (7.1%). None of the studied lesions required biopsy among this cohort.

Most rapidly growing and clinically changing nevi rarely exhibit single atypical cells in the DEJ. The RCM served as a valuable adjunct to dermoscopy, allowing reassurance in the evaluation of these lesions.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool extensively studied for adult patients. In this retrospective case series conducted at the Dermatology Unit of the University of Campania, Naples, Italy, all patients under 19 years old who were submitted to RCM from January 2011 to December 2021 where evaluated. The aim of the study was to review the most usual indications and possible benefits that it might add for children. Data collection included 215 patients (86 males and 129 females, mean age: 12). Most of the exams (n = 85; 39.5%) were performed for lesions clinically compatible with Spitz nevi, congenital nevi (n = 50 23,2%) and atypical melanocytic lesions (n = 46; 21%) among which two melanomas were detected. RCM can be an useful instrument when evaluating paediatric patients and may help avoid unnecessary biopsy in most cases, representing an additional instrument to improve diagnostic accuracy.