Improved identification of potentially dangerous pigmented skin lesions by computerized image analysis.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Jamora
Maria Jasmin
MJ
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Wainwright
Brent D
BD
Meehan
Shane A
SA
Bystryn
Jean-Claude
JC
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004416:Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery