| Title | Improved identification of potentially dangerous pigmented skin lesions by computerized image analysis. | | Author(s) | Jamora MJ, Wainwright BD, Meehan SA, Bystryn JC | | Institution | Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. | | Source | Arch Dermatol 2003 Feb; 139(2):195-8. | | MeSH | Biopsy, Needle
Cohort Studies
Comparative Study
Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted
Diagnosis, Differential
Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome
Female
Humans
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Melanoma
Neoplasm Staging
Nevus, Pigmented
Sensitivity and Specificity
Skin Neoplasms
| | Abstract | BACKGROUND: Melanoma is completely curable if resected early. Unfortunately, early melanoma can be difficult to differentiate from other pigmented lesions. Computerized image analysis instruments have now been developed to assist in determining whether a pigmented lesion is potentially dangerous and requires biopsy. To evaluate whether one such instrument can improve the management of pigmented lesions, we obtained biopsy specimens from 52 pigmented lesions that appeared clinically benign to an experienced dermatologist but were suspicious by image analysis. OBSERVATION: Histologically, 9 (17%) of the lesions that were removed based solely on computer recommendation were potentially dangerous and should have been removed. These included 1 malignant melanoma in situ and 8 dysplastic nevi with moderate to severe cytologic atypia.
CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that computerized image analysis can improve the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions by identifying clinically unsuspicious, but potentially dangerous, lesions that might have otherwise have been neglected. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Journal Article
| | PubMed ID | 12588225 |
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