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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Real-world outcomes of melanoma surveillance using the MoleMap NZ telemedicine platform
Elizabeth Greenwald1, Andrea Tan1, Jennifer A Stein1
1The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Background:
MoleMap NZ is a novel New Zealand-based store-and-forward telemedicine service to detect melanoma. It uses expert review of total body photography and close-up and dermoscopic images of skin lesions that are suspicious for malignancy.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MoleMap NZ as a melanoma early detection program.
Methods:
We conducted a review of 2108 melanocytic lesions recommended for biopsy/excision by MoleMap NZ dermoscopists between January 2015 and December 2016.
Results:
Pathologic diagnoses were available for 1571 lesions. Of these, 1303 (83%) lesions were benign and 260 (17%) lesions were diagnosed as melanoma, for a melanoma-specific benign:malignant ratio of 5.0:1. The number needed to biopsy to obtain 1 melanoma was 6. Among melanomas with available tumor thickness data (n = 137), 92% were <0.8 mm (range in situ to 3.1 mm), with in situ melanomas comprising 74%.
Limitations:
Only lesions recommended for excision were analyzed. Pathology results were available for 75% of these cases. Tumor thickness data were available for 53% of melanomas diagnosed.
Conclusions:
This real-world study of MoleMap NZ, a community-based teledermoscopy program, suggests that it has the potential to increase patients' access to specialist expertise via telemedicine. Additional studies are needed to more accurately define its efficacy.
