Comparison of two dermoscopic techniques in the diagnosis of clinically atypical pigmented skin lesions and melanoma: seven‐point and three‐point checklists

Abstract

Over the past decade, many dermoscopic criteria and algorithmic methods have been developed for the early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the seven-point and three-point checklist methods in a series of dermoscopic images. The diagnostic value of dermoscopic criteria was also determined on the basis of their frequency. Forty-eight preoperative dermoscopic images of histopathologically proven melanoma lesions and 48 preoperative dermoscopic images of clinically atypical but histopathologically proven nonmelanoma pigmented skin lesions were reviewed retrospectively. The seven-point and three-point checklist methods were used to assess each lesion. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows 15.0, descriptive statistical tests, and screening tests were used for statistical analyses. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the seven-point checklist method were 87.50%, 16.17%, 51.22%, and 57.14%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the three-point checklist method were 89.58%, 31.25%, 56.58%, and 75%, respectively. The three-point checklist was observed to be a superior screening test. The seven-point checklist provided a more detailed analysis, especially for thin melanomas. In comparison with the seven-point method, the three-point method may be useful for less experienced observers when they need to obtain greater diagnostic accuracy.