Does dermatoscopy increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis?
Dermatoscopy has an established role in the clinical diagnosis of pigmented skin disorders. Physicians who are unfamiliar with dermatoscopy are advised to become proficient with the technique before applying it. Pathological assessment of diagnostic excisions Each pigmented skin lesion removed should be submitted for histopathological diagnostic evaluation. The pathology request form should include at least the following information: personal details, location of the lesion, reason for removal (cosmetic versus diagnostic) and the excisional margin. For excisions made for diagnostic purposes, the reason why malignancy was suspected should be included (e.g., irregular macroscopic features, changes over time, itching). The pathology report should contain a conclusion statement which, for cases of melanoma, should include at least the following information: • Anatomical location • Type of procedure (shave, punch, elliptical or incisional biopsy) • Excisional margin • Diagnosis of melanoma
