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Exploring Small-Diameter Melanomas: A Retrospective Study on Clinical and Dermoscopic Features
Maria Fernanda Vianna Hunziker1, Beatrice Martinez Zugaib Abdalla1, Flavia Vieira Brandão2
1Hospital Sirio Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 115, Bela Vista, São Paulo 01308-050, SP, Brazil.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Early detection of small-diameter melanoma (SDM) is crucial. Dermoscopy reveals key features like irregular dots and globules, aiding diagnosis in high-risk patients during surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Early melanoma detection improves patient outcomes.
- Small-diameter melanoma (SDM) represents an early stage of cutaneous melanoma.
- Existing dermoscopy criteria are often insufficient for early-stage lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical and dermoscopic indicators for enhanced detection of small-diameter melanomas (SDMs).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 40 SDMs (≤5 mm diameter) diagnosed over 8 years across 5 Brazilian centers.
- Independent assessment of dermoscopic features by 7 experienced dermatologists.
- Inclusion of demographic and histological data.
Main Results:
- The study included 28 patients (58% female, average age 43.6).
- Most SDMs (69.2%) were de novo lesions; 20% showed early invasive characteristics (Breslow index 0.2-0.4 mm).
- Key dermoscopic findings: irregular dots (95%), irregular globules (87.5%), brown structureless areas (70%), atypical network (67.5%).
Conclusions:
- Dermoscopy significantly improves diagnostic accuracy for early-stage melanomas.
- Identifying new or subtle lesions via dermoscopy is critical for early diagnosis in high-risk patients.
- Regular surveillance using dermoscopy is vital for timely management of SDMs.
