Reproducibility of a dermoscopic method (7FFM) for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma

Dermoscopy improves sensitivity in the diagnosis of melanoma. We have developed a new diagnostic dermoscopic method which evaluates only seven dermoscopic features or criteria. We called the method Seven features for melanoma (7FFM). To present and to evaluate the reproducibility of our dermoscopic diagnostic method (7FFM) we held eight dermoscopic courses from 10/4/96 to 04/03/98 in various Italian cities. In fact the reliability of a diagnostic test or method mainly depends on the level of agreement in the interpretation of results among different observers. Only methods with good agreement can be used in clinical practice for the diagnosis of melanoma. Many dermatologists (207) attended one of the eight dermoscopic courses: each course was one-day in length and at the end of the course the participants evaluated a set of 25 dermoscopic slides using our dermoscopic method. Percentages of concordance and K values for a kappa statistical analysis to evaluate inter-rater reliability have been calculated. The method showed a mean percentage of concordance of 85.7%, median 88%, a mean K value of 0.699, median 0.684. These data point to a good agreement level. Our method shows good reproducibility after a short training program.     

The dermoscopic (7FFM) versus the clinical (ABCDE) diagnosis of small diameter melanoma

The diagnosis of small diameter melanoma, that is early melanoma, is particularly difficult. For this reason we decided to evaluate the improvement given from our diagnostic dermoscopic method 7FFM to the clinical diagnosis, ABCDE rule, of small diameter melanoma. A retrospective study evaluating the clinical and the dermoscopic slides of 76 small diameter melanomas observed from January 1 1993 to December 31 1998, and of 524 small melanocytic nevi consecutively observed from September 1 1997 to September 30 1999, has been undertaken. The sensitivity and the specificity of the ABCDE rule and of our diagnostic dermoscopic method 7FFM in the diagnosis of small diameter melanoma have been calculated. The difference of diagnostic power between the two methods has been calculated with chi square test. The sensitivity and the specificity of the ABCDE rule in the diagnosis of small melanomas were 47.3% and 56%, while the sensitivity and the specificity of our method 7FFM were 68.8% and 86%. The difference of diagnostic power between the two methods was statistically significant: P<0.01 for both sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity of the two methods together was 81.5% while the specificity of the two methods together was 50.6%. Our results show that our diagnostic dermoscopic method 7FFM improves both sensitivity and specificity in the clinical diagnosis of small diameter melanomas. Anyway the clinical and the dermoscopic diagnosis are not mutually exclusive as the best sensitivity is obtained with the two methods together.     

The dermoscopic versus the clinical diagnosis of melanoma.

Dermoscopy is an useful technique for the diagnosis of melanoma. All the diagnostic dermoscopic methods developed until now have been tested on dermoscopic slides and the real improvement given by this technique to the clinical diagnosis based upon ABCDE criteria is still unknown. For this reason, we decided to undertake a prospective study to compare the clinical diagnosis made with ABCDE criteria, to the dermoscopic diagnosis, made with the method 7FFM, developed by us. A total of 401 lesions were evaluated clinically and dermoscopically. On the basis of the number of the clinical criteria considered sufficient to diagnose a melanoma, various clinical scores, ranging from 1 to 5, can be obtained; data about the sensitivity of the clinical diagnosis of melanoma suggest that the most often used score is score 3. Our method 7FFM presents a sensitivity and a specificity better than those obtained with score 3: 80% versus 66.6% and 89.1% versus 79.3%. Besides this, we have evaluated if the sensitivity of our method 7FFM in the diagnosis of melanoma can be improved with the adjunct of the clinical criteria or of the clinical scores. The best values of sensitivity 93.3% and predictive value negative 97.3% have been obtained with score 2 plus 7FFM. Our results confirm that our method can be used in the screening of pigmented skin lesions in daily office practice and that an improvement in sensitivity without an excessive sacrifice of specificity can be obtained with the adjunct of the clinical score 2.     

Dermoscopic and clinical features of head and neck melanoma

BACKGROUND

The dermoscopic criteria of extrafacial melanomas are well-known.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of dermatoscopic findings in head and neck melanomas (HNM) and to assess the distinguishing dermoscopic criteria of facial and extrafacial melanoma.

METHODS

This observational study included 108 patients with HNM (63% male, mean age 64 years). Participants underwent individual dermoscopic imaging of clinically melanoma. All lesions were excised, and histopathological examination was performed on all specimens.

RESULTS

Drawing on histopathological analysis, lentigo maligna melanoma or lentigo maligna was diagnosed in 60 lesions, superficial spreading melanoma in 18, nodular in 10, desmoplastic in 8, superficial spreading melanoma in situ in 12. The most frequent location for head and neck melanoma was the cheek (60 patients, 55.6%). Eight prominent dermatoscopic features were observed in facial melanoma: annular-granular pattern (18%); rhomboidal structures (29%); pseudonetwork (29%); asymmetrical, pigmented, follicular openings (51%); obliterated hair follicles (8%); red rhomboidal structures (18%); increased density of the vascular network (32%); scar-like depigmentation (59%).

CONCLUSIONS

HNM has specific dermoscopic features, and classical extrafacial dermoscopic rules are less useful for diagnosis of facial melanoma. In our study, further characteristic dermatoscopic findings were detected in facial melanoma such as low frequencies of irregular dots, 2 or fewer colors in lesions, the presence of pseudonetwork, increased density of the vascular network, red rhomboidal structures, in addition to dermatoscopic findings of extrafacial melanoma. Thus, it is concluded that the prediction and identification of HNM may be evident with the help of these signs.     

Biopsy of the pigmented lesion--when and how

The biopsy lies at the heart of the management of the suspected melanocytic neoplasm. Dermatologists are the ideal physicians to examine patients with suspect melanocytic lesions and an understanding of when and how to perform a biopsy is vital. Various algorithms have been formulated to allow for facilitation of the clinical examination, including the ABCDE rule, the Glasgow 7-point checklist, and the "ugly duckling" sign. Along with this, dermoscopy can increase the sensitivity of diagnosis. Proper training regarding dermatoscopy is essential, especially with algorithms such as the Menzies method, the 7-point checklist, and pattern analysis. Digital photography and digital dermatoscopy allows for surveillance of suspect nevi or patients with multiple nevi. For neoplasms suspected of being melanoma, an excision for diagnosis with 1- to 3-mm borders is ideal, although a shave, punch, or other incisional biopsy can be performed in special circumstances. Finally, research has allowed for promising technologies including gene profiling of tape-stripped samples along with automated software analysis of digital dermatoscopic images.     

临床误诊的皮肤黑素瘤118例分析

【摘要】 目的 探讨误诊皮肤黑素瘤的临床特点、误诊原因及防范措施。方法 收集第四军医大学西京皮肤医院2005年1月至2019年12月临床初诊为其他疾病后经病理确诊为皮肤黑素瘤的患者资料，分析其临床表现、误诊原因。结果 临床误诊的皮肤黑素瘤118例，男38例，女80例，误诊时中位年龄48岁，发病中位年龄40.5岁，病程中位数为54个月。皮损表现以黑色斑疹、丘疹为主。临床初诊为色素痣（53例，44.92%）、甲母痣（12例，10.17%）、脂溢性角化病（14例，11.86%）、血管肿瘤（10例，8.47%）、鳞状细胞癌（5例，4.24%）、基底细胞癌（4例，3.39%）、其他疾病（20例，16.95%）。按黑素瘤ABCDE法则（A：病灶不对称；B：边缘不规则，界限不清；C：颜色不均匀；D：直径 > 6 mm；E：进展迅速），符合A 78例（66.10%）、B 64例（54.24%）、C 57例（48.31%）、D 66例（55.93%）、E 39例（33.05%），符合ABCDE 14例、ABCD 13例，13例均不符合。53例原位黑素瘤中，28例（52.83%）误诊为色素痣，11例（20.75%）误诊为甲母痣；65例浸润性黑素瘤中，25例（37.88%）误诊为色素痣，9例（13.64%）误诊为血管肿瘤，5例（7.58%）误诊为鳞状细胞癌。67例误诊患者有送检医师信息，42例的医师出诊年资 ≤ 5年；27例至少符合ABCD的患者中，9例有送检医师信息，其中7例的医师出诊年资 ≤ 5年。结论 皮肤黑素瘤皮损形态多样，易误诊，临床医生经验和是否遵从“ABCDE”标准甄别非常重要。     

Comparison of dermatoscopic ABCD rule and risk stratification in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma

For didactic and documentation purposes the dermatoscopic ABCD rule and the dermatoscopic risk stratification have been proposed. The aim of this investigation was to compare the ability of the 2 methods to separate patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma from individuals with other pigmented skin lesions. Three dermatologists, experienced users of dermatoscopy, assessed macroscopic clinical and dermatoscopic slides from 258 patients referred to the skin cancer outpatient clinic by the ABCD rule and risk stratification methods. Diagnostic performance of the 2 methods was compared by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. When all pigmented skin lesions were compared, there was a trend for the observers to perform better using risk stratification. When only lesions with a well-defined pigment network were included, the diagnostic performance of the risk stratification method was superior to the dermatoscopic ABCD rule (areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve median 0.93 vs. 0.80, p<0.004) for all observers. The agreement between the 2 methods was moderate to substantial (kappa coefficient 0.53-0.62). More melanomas were identified when the rules were combined. The dermatoscopic ABCD rule has been accepted as a standard for identifying melanomas with the dermatoscope, but should be considered secondary to pigment network analysis.     

In situ melanoma of the nail unit in children: report of two cases in fair-skinned Caucasian children

Nail melanoma in children is rarely reported in the literature, and all of the published cases were diagnosed in dark-skinned phototypes or in Asians. We report two cases of in situ nail matrix melanoma presenting as longitudinal melanonychia (LM) in fair-skinned children of Italian origin. Nail plate dermatoscopy revealed a brown background with lines of irregular color, spacing, and thickness in both cases. Histopathology of the excised lesions showed melanoma in situ. Clinical, dermatoscopic, and pathological criteria that permit clear differentiation of benign melanocytic activation or proliferation from nail matrix melanoma are not established for children. The presence of a pigmented band of a single nail in a child usually represents a problem for clinicians, because the clinical and dermatoscopic features that are considered possible indicators of nail unit melanoma in adults are frequently observed in benign melanocytic hyperplasia and nevi in children. There is therefore the need to find parameters useful for clinical and dermatoscopic diagnosis in childhood nail pigmentation and to reach a consensus on management of children with a band of LM.     

An evaluation of the revised seven-point checklist for the early diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma

Summary The seven-point checklist has been widely advocated as a sensitive screening test for malignant melanoma. A number of groups have questioned the sensitivity of this system, especially in the detection of early lesions. We have assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the revised seven-point checklist when applied to lesions seen in our department over a 26-month period and compared it with the American ABCDE evaluation system. All melanomas ( n = 65) were detected using the revised seven-point checklist and all were found to have at least one of the three major criteria defined by that system. Five (7·7%) melanomas were not picked up by the ABCDE checklist. Of 100 randomly selected patients who attended the clinic during the same period, with clinically diagnosed benign pigmented lesions, 63 had at least one major feature of the revised seven-point checklist. Forty (62%) of the melanomas, compared with only (4%) of the benign lesions, had more than one major feature. This study confirms the sensitivity of the revised seven-point checklist in the diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma.     

Geometric border as a marker for melanoma diagnosis: Study of 200 consecutive melanocytic lesions

The ABCD rule has long been proposed as a guidance for malignant melanoma (MM) diagnosis. We aimed to define a new simple, straightforward tool that could be useful in early melanoma detection and must be validated in further studies. We conducted a prospective historic cohort study of 200 melanocytic lesions classifying them according to the presence of geometric borders. Sixty‐four percent of the MM and 31% of the melanocytic nevi presented with geometric borders. Lesions with two straight borders that formed a noncurvilinear angle presented a 2.1‐fold higher risk of being malignant after excision. When comparing melanomas with geometric and nongeometric border, we found a tendency toward better prognostic markers in the geometric lesions. Lesions located in the extremities and melanoma subtype SSM were more common in the geometric group. Regarding pathologic features, a deeper Breslow (mean, 3.8 vs 1.4 mm), presence of ulceration (25% vs 5%) and a higher number of mitosis was found in the nongeometric group. On the other hand, more regression was found in the geometric group while both groups showed similar degree of lymphovascular infiltration. We propose geometric border as another clinical criterion to take into account when suspecting MM, which must be validated in further studies. The ABCDE rule could be completed with a G for geometry.     

The dermatoscopic ABCD rule does not improve diagnostic accuracy of malignant melanoma

The dermatoscopic ABCD rule has been suggested to improve diagnostic performance regarding cutaneous malignant melanoma. Using this rule, a total dermatoscopy score is calculated from the presence of various dermatoscopic elements. A total dermatoscopy score above 4.75 signifies possible and 5.45 probable melanoma. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of dermatoscopy with and without the use of the ABCD rule. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for the ABCD rule. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.854 (range 0.777-0.906) demonstrating that in 85.4% of the cases, cutaneous malignant melanomas were rated higher than the non-melanoma skin lesions. Sensitivity for the melanoma diagnosis was higher for simple dermatoscopy than when the ABCD rule was used (p<0.05). There was no difference in specificity when a total dermatoscopy score of 4.75 was used as cut-off point, but specificity was lower for simple dermatoscopy than when the total dermatoscopy score of 5.45 was used. Diagnostic accuracy was higher for simple dermatoscopy than for the ABCD rule (p<0.01). In conclusion, the dermatoscopic ABCD rule was not superior to simple dermatoscopy, and fewer malignant melanomas were identified with this rule.     

Dermatoscopy of flat pigmented facial lesions: diagnostic challenge between pigmented actinic keratosis and lentigo maligna

Background The similarity between clinical pictures of pigmented actinic keratosis (PAK) and lentigo maligna (LM) is well known. Objectives To investigate the frequency of dermatoscopic findings suggestive of LM/lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) in the other facial pigmented skin lesions (FPSL) and to assess the distinguishing dermoscopic criteria of PAK and LM. Methods Eighty‐nine FPSL were evaluated with conventional dermatoscopy. The lesions showing one or more dermatoscopic features considered as specific patterns for the diagnosis of LM/LMM, mainly slate‐grey to black dots and globules, slate‐grey areas, annular‐granular pattern, asymmetrical pigmented follicular openings, black blotches, rhomboidal structures, hyperpigmented rim of follicular openings, slate‐grey streaks and dark streaks, were included in the study selectively. Results PAK was diagnosed in 67, LM or LMM in 20 and lichen planus‐like keratosis in two lesions, histopathologically. Eleven essential dermatoscopic features were observed in facial PAK: slate‐grey dots (70%); annular‐granular pattern (39%); rhomboidal structures (36%); pseudonetwork (36%); black globules (34%); slate‐grey globules (33%); black dots (30%); asymmetrical pigmented follicular openings (25%); hyperpigmented rim of follicular openings (21%); slate‐grey areas (18%); and streaks (3%). Conclusions PAK has a striking similarity to LM/LMM in clinical and dermatoscopic features, thus representing a diagnostic challange. All dermatoscopic findings except black blotches were observed in PAK. As dermatoscopic diagnosis of a pigmented skin lesion cannot be based on the presence of a single criterion, we may conclude that histopathology still remains the gold standard for correct diagnosis.     

Comparison of dermatoscopic diagnostic algorithms based on calculation: The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy,the seven‐point checklist,the three‐point checklist and the CASH algorithm in dermatoscopic evaluation of melanocytic lesions

Dermatoscopic analysis of melanocytic lesions using the CASH algorithm has rarely been described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates of the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy, the seven‐point checklist, the three‐point checklist, and the CASH algorithm in the diagnosis and dermatoscopic evaluation of melanocytic lesions on the hairy skin. One hundred and fifteen melanocytic lesions of 115 patients were examined retrospectively using dermatoscopic images and compared with the histopathologic diagnosis. Four dermatoscopic algorithms were carried out for all lesions. The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy showed sensitivity of 91.6%, specificity of 60.4%, and diagnostic accuracy of 66.9%. The seven‐point checklist showed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 87.5, 65.9, and 70.4%, respectively; the three‐point checklist 79.1, 62.6, 66%; and the CASH algorithm 91.6, 64.8, and 70.4%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy, the three‐point checklist, the seven‐point checklist, and the CASH algorithm for the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions on the hairy skin. In our study, the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy and the CASH algorithm showed the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of melanoma.     

Preoperative assessment of melanoma thickness by ABCD score of dermatoscopy

BACKGROUND: Epiluminescence microscopy is a useful tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of malignant melanoma based on criteria that have been correlated with specific histologic characteristics. Previous studies have also shown a good correlation between the frequency of some dermatoscopic criteria based on pattern analysis (pigment network, blue-gray areas, vascular pattern) and tumor thickness. This technique could be useful in the preoperative assessment of tumor thickness as an indication for sentinel node biopsy. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the possible role of the total dermatoscopy score (TDS) assigned to a series of lesions in accordance with the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy as a preoperative predictor of melanoma thickness. METHODS: For 84 cutaneous melanomas (17 were in situ melanomas; 67 invasive cases with mean thickness 0. 93 mm; range, 0.2-3.9 mm; standard deviation, 0.63) consecutively excised at the Department of Dermatology of Florence, TDS was established by two observers blinded as to the tumor thickness. The performance of different cut-off points of TDS in the diagnosis of melanoma with Breslow's thickness more than 0.75 or 1.00 mm was investigated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Accuracy of classification was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and area under ROC curves (AUC). RESULTS: The TDS assigned to cutaneous melanomas by the ABCD rule increased with the thickness of the lesions from in situ melanomas to melanomas of intermediate thickness (0.75-1.50 mm). As a preoperative method for the detection of melanomas with a Breslow thickness greater than 0. 75 mm, a TDS cut-off point of 6.80 showed 80% sensitivity, 84% specificity, and 82% diagnostic accuracy (AUC value, 0.90). TDS performed better in the diagnosis of a thickness threshold of 0.75 than 1.00 mm (higher AUC value). CONCLUSION: The TDS calculated by the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy-a simplified approach to dermatoscopic diagnosis of melanoma-provides useful information for the preoperative assessment of melanoma thickness greater than 0.75 mm.     

Dermatoscopic prediction of melanoma thickness using latent trait analysis and likelihood ratios.

Breslow thickness and Clark level can be used to determine surgical procedures for cutaneous malignant melanoma and patient eligibility for experimental adjuvant therapy. Efforts to predict the thickness of melanomas using dermatoscopy have focused on differences between single dermatoscopic findings. The aim of this study was to develop a method for preoperative identification of melanomas of > or = 1 mm Breslow thickness using the entire range of dermatoscopic findings. Sixty-five melanomas were assessed for the presence of 22 dermatoscopic features. Ten dermatoscopic features showed differences in thick and thin melanomas and were selected for further analysis. A latent trait analysis construct implied that a progression in dermatoscopic features was associated with advancement of melanomas. Early melanomas are characterized by a light brown colour, a pigment network and irregularity or heterogeneity. Gray-blue areas, white scar-like areas and an atypical vascular pattern gradually displace these features. Likelihood ratios were determined for these 6 dermatoscopic findings and an algorithm for calculating the probability of thick malignant melanoma was established.     

Melanoma screening: report of a survey in occupational medicine

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies concerning melanoma are most often performed by general practitioners and dermatologists in patients previously aware of the risk of nevi. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficiency of early detection of melanoma by occupational medicine specialists trained in the use of ABCDE criteria during annual systematic examination of workers. METHODS: A total of 370 subjects with suspect lesions that demonstrated at least 2 of 5 ABCDE criteria were selected from 65000 employees examined; these subjects were requested to see their physician about possible excision. Of the 370 subjects, 273 (73.8%) were seen at a second-year follow-up visit to determine their outcome. RESULTS: Among the 273 subjects who were seen again, 172 (63.0%) had consulted a physician. For the 101 subjects who had not seen a physician, the main reason was the negligence (86.1%). A total of 353 atypical nevi were observed. The mean number of ABCDE criteria noted per lesion was 2.6. Lesion diameter greater than 6 mm was the most frequent (80.5%) and enlargement the least frequent criteria seen; heterochromous coloration and diameter greater than 6 mm was the most common association (54.5%). Five histologically confirmed melanomas were found among nevi excised in 78 subjects. CONCLUSION: This screening approach seems efficient for the early detection of melanoma, demonstrating an incidence of 7.7 per 100000 vs. 9 per 100000 in the general French population.     

The seven features for melanoma: a new dermoscopic algorithm for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

The clinical diagnosis of melanoma has a mean sensitivity of 67%, dermoscopy or dermatoscopy is a non invasive technique which improves this sensitivity. Our purpose was to create a simple dermoscopic method for the diagnosis of melanoma useful in daily office practice. For this reason a training set of 218 cutaneous pigmented lesions was used and scored for 16 dermoscopic features: for each feature sensitivity, specificity and statistical significance were evaluated. The results were used to create a simple dermoscopic diagnostic method of only seven dermoscopic features (7FFM). The method was used to evaluate a test set of 713 pigmented skin lesions consecutively observed. The diagnostic dermoscopic method developed gave a sensitivity of 94.6%, a specificity of 85.5% and an efficiency of 87.6%. Our method improves the sensitivity in the diagnosis of melanoma and can be used for the screening of pigmented skin lesions.     

Clinical and dermatoscopic diagnosis of small pigmented skin lesions

Small pigmented skin lesions represent a new challenge for all physicians devoted to the early diagnosis of melanoma. The purpose of this prospective study was to establish the diagnostic value of the clinical and the dermatoscopic examinations in a population of 157 consecutive patients with 161 small (< or = 6 mm) pigmented lesions, recruited in a short time. Of these 161 lesions, 13 were thin melanomas (median thickness 0.49 mm). In this population, clinical evaluation produced a diagnostic sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 74%. Dermatoscopy resulted in a sensitivity of 77% and in a specificity of 72%. Combining clinical and dermatoscopic evaluations all the melanomas were preoperatively recognised. The results of the present study stress the complementary role of clinical and dermatoscopic examinations. In particular, clinical evaluation remains of utmost importance in diagnosing melanoma. This concept must be stressed in the education and training of young dermatologists.     

Early detection of cutaneous melanoma by sequential digital dermatoscopy (SDD)

The early diagnosis and excision of cutaneous melanoma is essential for an improved prognosis of the disease. Besides the investigation of pigmented lesions with the unaided eye and conventional dermatoscopy, long‐term sequential digital dermatoscopy has been shown to improve the sensitivity of melanoma detection, especially in high‐risk patients. In addition to the static clinical and dermatoscopic assessment, the sequential digital dermatoscopy strategy helps to detect changes over time. This review summarizes the latest developments in the field of sequential digital dermatoscopy, describes current strategies for the selection of patients and lesions to monitor, and suggests objective criteria that should lead to an excisional biopsy.     

Melanoma detection. A prospective study comparing diagnosis with the naked eye,dermatoscopy and telespectrophotometry

BACKGROUND: Successful treatment of melanoma depends directly on early diagnosis. Such a diagnosis is based on clinical examination and dermatoscopy. Recently, automated instruments for melanoma detection are under development. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic possibilities provided by clinical and dermatoscopic examinations and by a computerized telespectrophotometric system (TS). METHODS: The study involves a consecutive series of 298 patients with 313 cutaneous pigmented lesions (66 melanomas and 247 non-melanoma lesions). Each lesion was subjected to the triple diagnostic evaluation, before surgery. Results were expressed in terms of sensitivity and specificity of each kind of evaluation. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation had sensitivity and specificity values of 86 and 77%, respectively, whereas dermatoscopy gave corresponding values of 91 and 74%. TS assessment resulted in a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 49%. Differences between clinical and dermatoscopic diagnoses lacked statistical significance (p = 0.22), whereas there was a significant difference comparing both clinical and TS evaluations (p < 0.01) and dermatoscopic and TS evaluations (p < 0.01). Combining clinical and dermatoscopic evaluations, a sensitivity of 97% was achieved. Addition of TS has not changed this figure. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study confirm and stress the importance of dermatoscopy in the diagnosis of melanoma. Clinical evaluation coupled with dermatoscopy can be considered the cornerstone of such a diagnosis. Although TS is able to achieve interesting results, at present it cannot significantly compete with any of the other tested methods.