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Interobserver agreement on dermoscopic features of small basal cell carcinoma (<5 mm) among low‐experience dermoscopists
Author(s) -
Meo Nicola,
Damiani Giovanni,
Vichi Silvia,
Fadel Mattia,
Nan Katiuscia,
Noal Cecilia,
Trevisini Sara,
Trevisan Giusto
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1346-8138
pISSN - 0385-2407
DOI - 10.1111/1346-8138.13426
Subject(s) - basal cell carcinoma , basal cell , medicine , dermatology , pathology
The basal cell carcinoma ( BCC ) assessment in dermoscopy is based on the recognition of specific characteristics synthesized and described as classical and non‐classical criteria, but which may not necessarily present all at the same time. Consequently, a deep knowledge in detecting the aforementioned dermoscopic criteria is crucial in diagnosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate which criteria are more frequently recognized among a group of low‐experienced dermoscopists when confronted with the difficult diagnosis of BCC with a diameter lower than 5 mm. We examined 100 BCC finding that data displays a full agreement only for one classical criterion, the lack of pigmented network (Fleiss' κ = 1), while among other classical criteria only arborizing vessels and ulceration exhibit a good agreement among observers (Fleiss' κ > 0.40). Analyzing non‐classical criteria, only blue‐whitish veil and blue in‐focus dots show a good agreement among low‐experience observers (Fleiss' κ > 0.40). It is evident that in small size BCC classic dermoscopic criteria are often substituted by non‐classical criteria, which represent the neoplasm's early phase. Thus, it is of importance, especially for low‐experience dermoscopists, to analyze even the non‐classical criteria in order to obtain a diagnosis of early BCC .