Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
09:37
Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
2.4K
Do not PASS any melanoma without diagnosis: a new simplified dermoscopic algorithm.
José Antonio Avilés-Izquierdo1, Paloma García-Piqueras1, Cristina Ciudad-Blanco1
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
International Journal of Dermatology
|January 20, 2023
Summary
A new simplified algorithm for melanoma diagnosis, called PASS, offers high accuracy and is easy to use. This tool aids clinicians in diagnosing melanoma more efficiently and reliably in daily practice.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dermoscopic algorithms for melanoma diagnosis can be time-consuming.
- Their reliability in clinical practice may be lower than anticipated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a simplified dermoscopic algorithm for melanoma diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 1,120 dermoscopic images of melanocytic tumors was conducted.
- A new algorithm (PASS) was developed based on polychromia, asymmetry, and melanoma-specific structures.
- Logistic regression and expert evaluations were used to validate the algorithm.
Main Results:
- The PASS algorithm demonstrated high sensitivity (91.9%), specificity (87%), and diagnostic accuracy (88.4%) for melanoma.
- An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.947 indicated strong diagnostic performance.
- Melanomas frequently exhibited ≥3 colors, asymmetry, and specific structures.
Conclusions:
- The PASS algorithm shows excellent diagnostic accuracy for melanoma, irrespective of observer experience.
- It appears simpler to implement in clinical practice compared to existing algorithms.
- Further validation may be needed due to the retrospective nature of the study.
