Methods to Differentiate Nevi from Melanoma

Abstract

This chapter reviews different algorithms and scoring systems, including the ABCD rule of dermoscopy, the Menzies method, the seven-point checklist, and the color, architecture, symmetry, and homogeneity algorithm. The ABCD rule of dermoscopy is a semi-quantitative scoring system created by Stolz and colleagues in 1994 for the evaluation of pigmented lesions. The Menzies method was developed to differentiate invasive melanomas from other pigmented lesions. The presence of both negative features excludes the diagnosis of melanoma. In contrast, the presence of any positive feature raises the suspicion for melanoma. The authors acknowledge that a sensitive and specific method to diagnose melanoma requires that other factors and context be taken into account during the examination. The ABCD rule for dermoscopy, the Menzies method, the seven-point checklist, and the CASH algorithm are relatively simple, accurate, and reproducible methods that can be used during the dermoscopic evaluation of skin lesion.