Melanoma Surveillance in the Digital Age

The most frequent dermatoscopic features associated with melanoma were focal changes in pigmentation or structure.

Although total body photography (TBP) is used at many centers, its utility is still under debate. Dermatoscopy has become a routine part of the surveillance toolbox, but it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between malignant melanoma (MM) and melanocytic nevi. Investigators in Spain advocate for the combined use of TBP and digital dermatoscopy — a so-called two-step method of digital follow-up — of atypical melanocytic lesions to identify MMs that lack distinct dermatoscopic features at baseline. The researchers acquired macroscopic TBP and dermatoscopic images from 618 patients with high risk for MM. Melanocytic lesions with atypical clinical or dermatoscopic features were assigned to two-step monitoring. Follow-up occurred at 3-, 6-, …

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)