Assessing exposure to dermoscopy in plastic surgery training programs

Abstract

Summary Background Dermoscopy is a noninvasive tool that improves the diagnostic accuracy of melanoma and other cutaneous malignancies; yet, it is not widely used by plastic surgeons, who commonly manage skin lesions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore current practice patterns and knowledge of dermoscopy among plastic surgeons and postgraduate plastic surgery trainees. Additionally, interest to establish a formal dermoscopy curriculum as part of plastic surgery residency training was evaluated. Methods An online electronic questionnaire was developed and distributed through email to practicing plastic surgeons and plastic surgery trainees at two Canadian universities. Results Of the 59 potential participants, 27 (46%) responded. While the majority of participants were familiar with dermoscopy (n = 26; 96%), only one respondent reported using dermoscopy in clinical practice. However, all respondents reported exposure to melanoma clinically (n = 26; one participant did not provide a response). A lack of training, along with lack of access to dermatoscopes, were the most frequently cited reasons for not using dermoscopy. Knowledge scores with regard to dermoscopic features were also low; coupled with a noted propensity toward diagnostic or excisional biopsy, whichcould raise the benign to malignant ratio. Overall, 89% (n = 24) of respondents expressed interest in dermoscopy training in plastic surgery postgraduate training. Conclusions Few responding plastic surgeons or plastic surgery residents currently use dermoscopy in training or practice but are interested in formal dermoscopy training in residency.

Factors for Improving Diagnosis of Skin Tumors

“…In recent years, dermoscopy has been applied not only to pigmented diseases but also to vascular lesions, among other lesion types 16) . Diagnostic programs based on deep learning are also being developed and plastic surgeons should learn how to apply them as standard procedures 17,18) .…”

MORPHOMETRIC IMAGE ANALYSIS COMPARISON OF BASAL CELL CARCINOMAS & MELANOMAS OF THE HEAD & NECK VERSUS OTHER SITES

“…Skin malignancies of the head and neck (H&N) in particular may present to and be treated by various clinicians such as general practitioners, dermatologists, plastic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons 2 . These clinical specialities receive different training [7][8][9] and a dermoscopic AI model may help in diagnostic equity and level the playing field. However, such a model must be validated on external datasets and perform well on skin lesions from different sites.…”