Dermoscopy of difficult-to-diagnose Melanomas

Abstract

Abstract Dermoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows the evaluation of cutaneous lesions, and is considered to be a useful tool that improves the diagnostic accuracy of melanoma. Many dermoscopic criteria of melanoma have been established and several algorithms have been created for melanoma detection. However, the recognition of some melanomas remains challenging. Melanomas on specific body sites, melanomas in patients with multiple atypical moles, and nodular melanomas represent the most difficult-to-recognize melanoma subtypes, since they typically lack the “classic” melanoma-specific criteria. This paper provides an update on dermoscopy of difficult-to-diagnose melanomas by summarizing the newest data. Lastly, we highlight the importance of digital dermoscopy in the follow-up of melanocytic lesions for the detection of incipient melanomas while maintaining a low excision rate.