Predictors of malignancy in melanocytic lesions presenting as new lesions compared to baseline total body photography: A case-control study

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2024-06
• Main Authors: Chan, S, Guitera, P, Ferguson, P, El Sharouni, M A, Teh, R, Scolyer, R A, Glanz, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20188

Only a small per cent of new melanocytic lesions developing in adults are expected to represent melanomas. Total body photography (TBP) has been widely incorporated in clinical practice, especially for follow-up of high-risk individuals with multiple naevi. However, dynamic changes detected with TBP need to be interpreted with caution to avoid unnecessary excisions. To identify clinical and dermoscopic predictors of malignancy in melanocytic lesions presenting clinically as new lesions on TBP. Melanomas and melanocytic naevi excised from a high-risk cohort and presenting as new lesions on TBP were retrospectively included. Naevi were arbitrarily collected up to approximately twice the number of melanomas. Melanomas were categorized as 'unequivocal' or 'borderline' on histopathology review. Sixty melanomas and 110 naevi were included. Median age (range) of cases (55; 27-83) was 9 years older than controls (46; 24-77) (p