title: Inter-observer variation between pathologists in the classification of cutaneous malignant melanoma in western Australia.
abstract: Inter-observer variation between six pathologists in their application of histological classifications during a survey of cutaneous malignant melanoma was analysed using kappa statistics. The highest levels of adjusted agreement were attained for tumour thickness and the presence of ulceration; intermediate levels were achieved on cross-sectional profile, level of invasion, histogenetic type, solar elastosis and the presence of an associated benign melanocytic lesion; agreement on other histological features of melanoma tended to be relatively poor. The problems experienced in the interpretation of these classifications are discussed and suggestions for their improvement are offered.
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D008940:Mitotic Index; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010336:Pathology / Q000592:standards*; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000032:analysis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D010860:Pigments, Biological