Dermoscopy and the diagnosis of melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma rates in New Zealand are among the highest in the world. Early diagnosis and excision of primary melanoma improves the prognosis. General practitioners should be familiar with the risk factors for melanoma and the clinical appearance of superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, nodular melanoma and acrolentiginous melanoma. Suspicious lesions should be referred to an expert for clinical diagnosis including dermoscopy, or where this is impractical, excised. Digital teledermoscopy (mole mapping) is a screening alternative for patients at increased risk of melanoma, especially those who have numerous or clinically atypical melanocytic naevi.