Epiluminescence Microscopy for the Diagnosis of Doubtful Melanocytic Skin Lesions

Abstract

To compare the reliability of a new 7-point checklist based on simplified epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) pattern analysis with the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy and standard pattern analysis for the diagnosis of clinically doubtful melanocytic skin lesions. Design: In a blind study, ELM images of 342 histologically proven melanocytic skin lesions were evaluated for the presence of 7 standard criteria that we called the "ELM 7-point checklist." For each lesion, "overall" and "ABCD scored" diagnoses were recorded. From a training set of 57 melanomas and 139 atypical nonmelanomas, odds ratios were calculated to create a simple diagnostic model based on identification of major and minor criteria for the "7-point scored" diagnosis. A test set of 60 melanomas and 86 atypical nonmelanomas was used for model validation and was then presented to 2 less experienced ELM observers, who recorded the ABCD and 7-point scored diagnoses. Settings: University medical centers. Patients: A sample of patients with excised melanocytic lesions. Main Outcome Measures: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the models for diagnosing melanoma.

The Dermatoscopic Pattern of Clear-Cell Acanthoma Resembles Psoriasis vulgaris

“…Typical patterns and symptoms for melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions are well established for the clinical examination [1]. In addition, the use of dermatoscopy (dermoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy) is an excellent method for a more accurate assessment of dignity, basically for the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions in general and the early detection of melanoma in particular [2, 3, 4, 5]. Characteristic vascular patterns could also lead to the diagnosis of different skin tumors [6].…”

Angioma Serpiginosum

“…2 Epiluminescence microscopy is a nonstressful procedure for evaluating colored lesions of the skin surface. There have been many investigations concerning melanocytic lesions, 3 especially malignant melanoma. 4 However, the procedure is also useful for evaluating vascular lesions.…”

A simple guide to dermatoscopic diagnosis of melanocytic and nonmelanocytic skin lesions

“…There are different diagnosis methods we can use, such as pattern analysis [11], ABCD rule [14], seven-point checklist [15], 11-point checklist [16] and three-point checklist [17][18] among others.…”