Though the vast majority of melanocytic lesions with hair are benign, new research shows that this is not always the case.

 

The researchers, in the present study, found 3 examples of melanocytic lesions that showed terminal hairs on clinical and dermoscopic evaluation, but in which the final diagnosis was invasive melanoma.

 

Based on this research, it is recommended that clinicians should integrate both clinical and dermoscopic findings in identifying the correct diagnosis. 

 

Reference: Scope A, Tabanelli M, et al. Dispelling the myth of the "benign hair sign" for melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007; 56:413-416.