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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:37
Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
Complex dermoscopic pattern: a potential risk marker for melanoma.
J B Lipoff1, A Scope, S W Dusza
1Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, U.S.A.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|January 22, 2008
Summary
Dermoscopic patterns, particularly a complex global pattern with network and globules, are linked to increased melanoma risk. This suggests dermoscopy offers a more precise melanoma risk assessment than clinical evaluation alone.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dysplastic nevi are established melanoma risk factors, but risk estimates vary.
- Dermoscopy enables detailed classification of nevi based on global patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dermoscopic images of nevi in melanoma patients and controls.
- To identify dermoscopic patterns associated with melanoma risk.
Main Methods:
- Dermoscopic images of 187 nevi from 20 melanoma patients and 150 nevi from 20 controls were analyzed.
- Complex global pattern defined as network and globules, with or without structureless areas.
Main Results:
- Complex global dermoscopic pattern was more frequent in melanoma patients (OR 2.9, P=0.003).
- Globules were more frequent in patients (OR 2.3, P=0.0001), while dots were inversely associated with melanoma (OR 0.5, P=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Dermoscopic patterns may be more robust and specific melanoma risk markers than clinical nevus phenotype.
- Pilot data indicate potential for improved melanoma risk stratification using dermoscopy.
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