Francesca Mannone

Improvement of malignant/benign ratio in excised melanocytic lesions in the ‘dermoscopy era’: a retrospective study 1997–2001

Background  Because of the many limitations of studies based on the diagnostic setting of excised lesions, the impact of dermoscopy (epiluminescence microscopy, dermatoscopy) in melanoma screening during practice remains to be established.

Dermatoscopy in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions: a new semiology for the dermatologist.

Dermatoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy (ELM), is a noninvasive method that enables clinicians to evaluate fully – by means of a magnified oil immersion diascopy – numerous morphological features, not visible with the naked eye, which enhance the diagnosis of nearly all pigmented skin lesions. In recent years, a burst of research activity in this topic has been carried out, dealing with different aspects, and new frontiers, of this technique. First, a continuous refinement of dermatoscopic terminology is undertaken, paying particular attention to the diagnostic performance of dermatoscopy at peculiar anatomical sites and to the building of different dermatoscopic algorithms aimed at a simplified diagnosis of melanoma, even for less experienced observers. Another point of interest concerns the possible role of dermatoscopy in the pre‐operative assessment of melanoma thickness. Finally, promising data about the role of digital equipment in the follow up of melanocytic skin lesions as well as in the automated diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions have been recently reported. This paper should enable readers to become familiar with the procedure and terminology of ELM in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions encouraging a greater understanding of different methods (pattern analysis, algorithms) in the diagnosis of melanoma using ELM.

Cutaneous endometriosis: non-invasive analysis by epiluminescence microscopy

Summary The clinical appearance of cutaneous endometriosis can share some features with malignant melanoma, thus representing a possible cause for concern in both patient and clinician. In recent years, the use of epiluminescence microscopy (ELM, dermoscopy) has proved useful in improving the accuracy of diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions. The purpose of this study was to analyse the dermoscopic features of cutaneous endometriosis with histopathological correlation. We studied a case which showed homogeneous reddish pigmentation, regularly distributed. Within this typical pigmentation there were small red globular structures, but more defined and of a deeper hue, which we called ‘red atolls’. ELM thus revealed a distinctive pattern in cutaneous endometriosis.

Melanoma detection rate and concordance between self‐skin examination and clinical evaluation in patients attending a pigmented lesion clinic in Italy

Background The early diagnosis of melanoma is based on the collaboration between dermatologists and family doctors, who filter subjects to be referred to a pigmented lesion clinic (PLC). Following growing media coverage, there is increasing concern in the general population about the risk of the ‘changing mole’, resulting in a progressively increased workload in PLCs.

The use of silicone gel in the treatment of fresh surgical scars: a randomized study

Aim.  To evaluate the effectiveness of a silicone gel in treating surgical wounds compared with a control group of the same phenotype and same scar site for which a placebo was advised.

Pigmented seborrheic keratoses of the vulva clinically mimicking a malignant melanoma: a clinical, dermoscopic‐pathologic case study

The diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is, in general, a clinical one, but in some cases, the differential diagnosis between pigmented seborrheic keratosis and malignant melanoma is difficult. Dermoscopy may improve the early diagnosis of vulvar melanoma and thus play a role in the preoperative classification of pigmented lesions at this particular site. We report the first case of a pigmented seborrheic keratosis of the vulva clinically mimicking a malignant melanoma, whose dermoscopic features have been investigated together with their pathologic correlates. Dermoscopically our case shows the absence of comedo‐like openings and the presence of the pseudo‐network. Dermoscopy is therefore a useful method for the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions even in the vulva.

Dermoscopic features of combined melanocytic nevi

Abstract:  In order to investigate the possible role of dermoscopy in the non‐invasive classification of combined nevi, we analyzed dermoscopic features of a series of combined nevi consecutively excised. Two dermatologists expert in dermoscopy retrospectively evaluated all images based on the presence of dermoscopic findings to analyze which epiluminescence microscopy features were more frequently associated with each type of combined nevus. Dermoscopy may provide useful information in the non‐invasive diagnosis of combined nevi, allowing a conservative management, but this may be limited to combined nevi including a blue nevus component. Conversely, combined nevi including a Spitz nevus component may be difficult to classify even by dermoscopy, thus requiring careful monitoring or surgical excision.

Effect of Lesion Size on the Diagnostic Performance of Dermoscopy in Melanoma Detection

Background: Dermoscopy is able to correctly classify a higher number of melanomas than naked-eye examination. Little is known however about factors which may influence the diagnostic performance during practice. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of size of the lesion on diagnostic performance of dermoscopy in melanoma detection. Methods: Eight dermatologists examined clinical and, separately, clinical and dermoscopic (combined examination) images of 200 melanocytic lesions previously excised [64 melanomas, 24 in situ and 40 invasive (median thickness 0.30 mm) and 136 melanocytic nevi]. After examination, diagnostic performance was analyzed in accordance with the major diameter of the lesions divided into 3 groups, i.e. small (less than 6 mm), intermediate (between 6 and 9 mm) and large (10 mm or more) lesions. These groups were shown to be highly comparable concerning the microstaging of melanomas (median thickness value 0.30, 0.22 and 0.32 mm, respectively). Results: Dermoscopy increased the diagnostic performance of naked-eye examination of both intermediate and large lesions [sensitivity value: +19.3 (p = 0.002) and +10.3 (p = 0.007); diagnostic accuracy value: +7.4 (p = 0.004) and +6.1 (p = 0.07)]. On the contrary, no statistically significant increase was found dealing with small lesions (sensitivity +3.7, p = 0.66; diagnostic accuracy –1.7, p = 0.55). Conclusions: The diagnostic improvement associated with the addition of dermoscopy to naked-eye examination is influenced by the size of the lesion, i.e. it is lacking with lesions up to 6 mm in diameter. The optimized use of dermoscopy in melanoma detection is obtained dealing with melanocytic lesions 6 mm in diameter or larger.

The gold standard for photographing pigmented skin lesions for diagnostic purposes: contact versus distant imaging

Background: It is mandatory that a new diagnostic method be validated by comparison with a well‐established reference procedure before being introduced for use in clinical practice. In the field of pigmented skin lesions (PSL), clinical examination should be considered the reference procedure for new diagnostic methods, such as dermoscopy. However, it has not yet been established which is the best photographic procedure for obtaining the most informative clinical images to be used in a formal diagnostic setting.

Dog‐ears: a useful artifice in the closure of extensive wounds

Background Wounds too extensive to permit primary repair by suturing can be closed using a skin graft or skin flap and the choice of method depends on a series of factors. Practice and personal experience play a role, as well as the characteristics of the lesion and its site. Each case poses special problems, so it is not possible to establish firm rules.