Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
07:41
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
3.0K
Pigmented nodular melanoma: the predictive value of dermoscopic features using multivariate analysis.
M A Pizzichetta1, H Kittler2, I Stanganelli3
1Division of Medical Oncology - Preventive Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, National Cancer Institute, Via Franco Gallini, 2, 33081, Aviano, Italy.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 29, 2015
Summary
Dermoscopy aids in identifying nodular melanoma (NM) by highlighting specific features like asymmetric pigmentation and abnormal vascular structures. This research quantifies these dermoscopic indicators to improve NM diagnosis compared to other lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Nodular melanoma (NM) accounts for 10-30% of melanoma cases and significantly contributes to melanoma-related mortality.
- Despite its prevalence, dermoscopic literature on NM is limited, necessitating further research into its diagnostic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify dermoscopic features of pigmented nodular melanoma (NM) in comparison to pigmented superficial spreading melanoma (SSM).
- To differentiate pigmented NM from benign melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions using dermoscopic criteria.
- To establish odds ratios (ORs) for key dermoscopic features indicative of NM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective collection and blind evaluation of 457 digitized pigmented skin lesion images by three observers.
- Histopathological diagnoses included NM (n=75), SSM (n=93), basal cell carcinomas (n=39), seborrhoeic keratoses (n=85), blue naevi (n=81), and compound/dermal naevi (n=84).
- Assessment of global patterns and specific dermoscopic criteria to identify significant diagnostic factors.
Main Results:
- Ulceration (OR 4.07), homogeneous disorganized pattern (OR 10.76), and homogeneous blue pigmented structureless areas (OR 2.37) were independent predictors of NM versus SSM.
- Features significantly increasing NM risk compared to nonmelanocytic/benign melanocytic lesions included asymmetric pigmentation (OR 6.70), blue-black pigmented areas (OR 7.15), homogeneous disorganized pattern (OR 9.62), and specific vascular patterns (ORs 23.65-33.88).
Conclusions:
- Dermoscopy is valuable for recognizing pigmented NM.
- Key dermoscopic indicators for NM include asymmetric pigmentation, blue-black areas, disorganized patterns, and abnormal vascular structures (polymorphous vessels, milky-red globules/areas, homogeneous red areas).
- Quantifying these features can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
