Analysis of the consistency of doctors' opinions in the assessment of dermatoscopic images of actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, keratoacanthoma and squamous cell cancer

Abstract

Aims: To determine the consistency of dermatologists’ opinions in assessing dermatoscopic images of actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, keratoacanthoma and squamous cell skin cancer, depending on work experience. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on the basis of the Scientific and Practical Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Tumors of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution "PIMU" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Based on the literature data, we compiled a generalized list of possible dermatoscopic signs of AK, BD, KA, SCC and analyzed dermatoscopic images of 85 elements of AK, 28 elements of BD, 10 elements of KA and 24 – of SCC. 10 dermatovenerologists participated in the study, half of whom (Group 1) had experience in the field of dermatoscopy for more than 4 years, and the other half (Group 2) – for less than 4 years. Results: The study reveals statistically significant deviations in the frequencies of dermatoscopic signs between the two groups of specialists when analyzing images of actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease. Differences in the frequency of detection of KA and SCC signs between specialists with more than 4 years of experience in the field of dermatoscopy and less than 4 years’ experience have not been found. Conclusions: Taking into account the average number of signs, the statistically justified result of the analysis is the inference that the average group frequencies in Group 1 and Group 2 are equal. The conclusion is that the opinions of specialists in the field of dermatoscopy are highly consistent, regardless of work experience. This indicates the high diagnostic value of the method, despite its subjective nature.