Früherkennung kutaner Melanome mittels sequenzieller digitaler Dermatoskopie

Abstract

Early detection of cutaneous melanoma using digital epiluminescence microscopy. The cutaneous melanoma is a highly malignant tumor. For this reason, early detection and prompt removal is essential. The aim of our study was to develop an algorithm specifically for the early detection of cutaneous melanoma using digital epiluminescence microscopy. For this purpose we observed 688 patients at increased risk over a period of ten years at regular intervals. When entering the study melanoma risk factors were recorded prospectively and the patients were classified into three risk groups. The nevi of patients were checked at regular intervals with clinical examination and dermatoscopy. Lesions arising suspect to be malignant were subjected to surgical removal. Pictures of atypical, but not suspicious nevi were stored digitally and monitored regularly. In total we excised 1219 lesions of which 127 were confirmed by pathology to be a melanoma (10%). We developed a new diagnostic algorithm to simplify decision making in the clinical process. This would enable the sensitivity of melanoma early detection increase in our collective. To achieve this increase, there was a slight decrease in specificity.