Small-diameter melanomas: role of dermoscopy and digital dermoscopy follow-up

Authors

  • Gabriel Esteban Salerni Dermatology Service, Provincial Hospital of the Centennial of Rosario, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Carlos Alonso Oroño Medical Diagnosis, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/da.v25i1.2119

Keywords:

melanoma, diagnosis, dermoscopy

Abstract

Background: Recognition of small-diameter melanomas (SDM) is often challenging

Objective: To analyze the role of dermoscopy and follow-up with digital dermoscopy in the diagnosis of SDM

Design: Retrospective, observational, descriptive analysis of a series of 50 SDM diagnosed between 2015 and 2019.

Results: Among the SMD, 9 were reason for patient consultation (MMC), 30 were detected during routine nevi control (MMCR) and 11 were diagnosed due to changes observed during follow-up with digital dermoscopy (MMDD). Near 45% of the MMC were correctly classified as malignant lesions according to the “ABCD rule of dermoscopy”; this was observed only in 20% of the MMCR and in none of the MMDD. The "chaos and clues" algorithm led to excision in almost 90% of MMC, 60% of MMCR, and 50% of MMDD. The percentages of in situ melanoma were: 55% in the MMC, 73.3% in the MMCR and 72.9% in the MMDD. Among invasive melanomas, mean Breslow thickness was 0.62 mm in the MMC group, 0.5 mm in the MMCCR, and 0.4 mm in the MMDD.

Conclusions: The routine use of dermoscopy allows for the detection of melanomas with a low index of suspicion that patients may not be aware of. The use of digital follow-up enables the detection of incipient melanomas that lack not only clinical but also dermoscopic criteria of malignancy.

Author Biographies

Gabriel Esteban Salerni, Dermatology Service, Provincial Hospital of the Centennial of Rosario, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Dermatology Specialist, Doctor of Medicine. Oroño Medical Diagnosis, Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina.

 

Carlos Alonso, Oroño Medical Diagnosis, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Specialist in Dermatology and Medical Clinic.

References

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Published

2021-03-30

Issue

Section

Original Articles