“…Elucidating clinical practice patterns and potential knowledge gaps of plastic surgeons and trainees is important given their essential role in managing cutaneous malignancies. 5 , 6 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to survey Canadian plastic surgeons and residents regarding dermoscopy. Given that the prevalence of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, continues to rise, understanding how best to equip plastic surgeons to manage cutaneous malignancies is vital.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This is in keeping with other studies suggesting that dermoscopy remains underutilized by plastic surgeons. 5 , 6 For instance, in a recent survey of plastic surgery trainees, only 53% of respondents had ever used a dermatoscope, and only one respondent (n = 1/19) had received formal training. 5 Similarly, a survey of plastic and otolaryngology surgeons found that only 26% (n = 19/73) routinely used a dermatoscope.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“… 1 , 2 Widely regarded as an important diagnostic tool, dermoscopy has become the standard of care in many countries, 3 yet few plastic surgeons have received dermoscopy training or use it as part of their practice. 4 , 5 , 6 As early diagnosis and surgical excision of melanoma impacts prognosis 3 and dermoscopy improves diagnosis, dermoscopy could improve plastic surgeons’ direct impact on patient outcomes. 4 , 5 …”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“… 4 , 5 , 6 As early diagnosis and surgical excision of melanoma impacts prognosis 3 and dermoscopy improves diagnosis, dermoscopy could improve plastic surgeons’ direct impact on patient outcomes. 4 , 5 …”
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.
“…Elucidating clinical practice patterns and potential knowledge gaps of plastic surgeons and trainees is important given their essential role in managing cutaneous malignancies. 5 , 6 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to survey Canadian plastic surgeons and residents regarding dermoscopy. Given that the prevalence of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, continues to rise, understanding how best to equip plastic surgeons to manage cutaneous malignancies is vital.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This is in keeping with other studies suggesting that dermoscopy remains underutilized by plastic surgeons. 5 , 6 For instance, in a recent survey of plastic surgery trainees, only 53% of respondents had ever used a dermatoscope, and only one respondent (n = 1/19) had received formal training. 5 Similarly, a survey of plastic and otolaryngology surgeons found that only 26% (n = 19/73) routinely used a dermatoscope.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“… 1 , 2 Widely regarded as an important diagnostic tool, dermoscopy has become the standard of care in many countries, 3 yet few plastic surgeons have received dermoscopy training or use it as part of their practice. 4 , 5 , 6 As early diagnosis and surgical excision of melanoma impacts prognosis 3 and dermoscopy improves diagnosis, dermoscopy could improve plastic surgeons’ direct impact on patient outcomes. 4 , 5 …”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“… 4 , 5 , 6 As early diagnosis and surgical excision of melanoma impacts prognosis 3 and dermoscopy improves diagnosis, dermoscopy could improve plastic surgeons’ direct impact on patient outcomes. 4 , 5 …”
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.
“…Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive method and a complementary tool in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions -both benign and malignant (1). The device with an integral light source is applied to the skin to visualize dermal and epidermal structures (2).…”
the aim of the study was to examine the utility of dermatoscopy in plastic surgeons' practice in pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions management. material and methods. The examined group consisted of 68 patients with 132 lesions (50 women and 18 men) aged from 12 to 75 years (the mean: 47.2 years ± 16.9 years), who underwent dermatoscopy. Dermatoscopic photographs were analysed according to the ABCD and 7-point scales and then, a further treatment (surgical excision, electro resection or regular follow-up and observations) was planned.Results. The mean score of all lesions according to ABCD scale was 2.34 while in 7-point scale it was 0.62. In male and female groups the number of lesions and their ABCD and 7-point scale scores were similar (p>0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that all excised lesions were benign (compound melanocytic nevi) which corresponded with dermatoscopic evaluation. conclusions. Dermatoscopy seems to be helpful in surgeons' dealing with skin lesions practise and in many cases it enables to choose less invasive technique of lesions' removal (electro resection), which gives better aesthetic results.
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