Differential Diagnosis
Focal pigmented lesions can be remembered with the mnemonic DARK SPOT:
D = Drug-related pigmentation
A = Amalgam tattoo
R = Reactive / post-inflammatory pigmentation
K = Keratotic / melanin-associated lesions
S = Simple melanotic macule
P = Pigmented naevus
O = Oral melanoacanthoma
T = Tumour, especially melanoma
Multifocal pigmented lesions can be remembered with the mnemonic PAINTED LIP:
P = Peutz-Jegher's syndrome
A = Addison's disease
I = Inflammatory / post-inflammatory pigmentation
N = Nicotine (smoker's melanosis)
T = Toxic metals
E = Ethnic/physiological
D = Drugs
L = Laugier-Hunziker syndrome / LEOPARD syndrome
I = Idiopathic
P = Pregnancy