dematology research Archives - MoleMax Systems

Limits of Artificial Intelligence Models for Skin Cancer Diagnosis in Realistic Settings

molemax — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:03:13 +0000

Key Points

Question How does artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic performance compare to human dermatologists of varying experience for skin cancer detection in realistic clinical settings?

Findings In this diagnostic study of 652 physicians and 3 AI models evaluating 1117 cases, expert dermatologists (>10 years of experience) achieved the highest accuracy (74.2%), considerably outperforming a modern unimodal foundation model (72.2%), which exceeded dermatologists with less than 1 year of experience (59.1%), while the first-generation convolutional neural network underperformed all readers (56.7%).

Meaning Future practice should integrate human-AI collaboration, with AI supporting less experienced clinicians and providing expert triage assistance and help to minimize fatigue-related diagnostic errors.

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Skin Cancer Risk Profile of Asymptomatic Patients Seeking Periodic Skin Examinations for Skin Cancer Concerns

molemax — Tue, 26 May 2026 02:46:59 +0000

Yin Li, PhD; Robert A. Swerlick, MD

Abstract

Importance Periodic comprehensive skin examinations of asymptomatic individuals are widely accepted by dermatologists and the public, resulting in deployment of skin cancer (SC) surveillance practices that may include patients at low risk for SC.

Objective To define the demographics, SC risk factors, and near-term outcomes of asymptomatic individuals seeking comprehensive skin examinations.

Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study is a secondary analysis of data collected through a routine, previsit survey completed by patients who visited the Emory Healthcare Dermatology Clinic between March 2021 and October 2022. This study involved new patients who had no specific skin complaints and requested a general skin examination because they had general concerns about SC. Data were analyzed between from July to December 2025.

Main Outcomes and Measures The main objective was to identify patients at higher risk for SC development by evaluating characteristics including demographics and SC risk factors including skin phototype, eye and hair color, and family and personal history of SC. The number needed to examine to diagnose 1 SC was calculated for the entire cohort and for subgroups.

Results A total of 1074 new patients who noted no skin complaints but sought examinations for concerns about SC were identified (mean [SD] age, 50.3 [15.9] years; 643 [59.9%] female). Of these patients, 186 reported a personal history of SC, with the percentage reporting a history of SC increasing with age. Among those reporting SC history, 184 (99.5%) had skin phototypes I through III. Overall, 131 patients (12.2%) underwent 146 skin biopsies, and 38 SCs were diagnosed. Three patients younger than 50 years were diagnosed with SC, and 37 of 38 SCs were diagnosed in patients with skin types I through III. The number needed to be examined to diagnose 1 SC was 181 in patients 50 years or younger and 7 in patients 70 years or older. The number needed to examine for patients with and without a history of SC was 12 and 52, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance This study found that populations of new patients without specific skin complaints seeking care for SC surveillance may contain substantial percentages of people at low risk for diagnosis of SC. Implementation of simple triage criteria for asymptomatic patients seeking SC surveillance based on age, skin phototype, and SC history could select for patients at substantially higher risk for SC diagnosis.

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Dermoscopic Features of Follicular Dermatoses: A Cross-Sectional Study

molemax — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:22:27 +0000

Rinni R Patel, Hita H Mehta, Manal D Dave

Abstract

Introduction: Follicular dermatoses are conditions characterized by localization around hair follicles, often presenting as small papular lesions. These dermatoses can be challenging to diagnose with the naked eye, making dermoscopy an important adjunctive diagnostic tool. However, the literature on the dermoscopic features of follicular dermatoses remains limited.

Objectives: To evaluate dermoscopic findings in follicular dermatoses.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2024 at the dermatology department of a tertiary hospital. Patients were categorized into inflammatory and keratinization follicular dermatosis. A fully developed lesion was dermoscopically examined using a DermLite DL-5 dermoscope. The data were statistically analyzed.

Results: We studied 147 patients. Most follicular dermatoses on dermoscopy showed classical findings such as keratotic plugs, perifollicular white halo, or brown halo. However, they also exhibited characteristic features unique to each dermatoses. Keratosis pilaris exhibited coiled hair (77.41%). Reactive perforating collagenosis presented a central yellowish plug (100%), whitish rim (100%), and peripheral erythematous halo (87.5%). Follicular LP showed reduced follicular ostia (45.45%) and blue-gray globules (40.90%), with newer findings like radial white stria and rosette. Follicular psoriasis displayed regular red dots (100%), while follicular eczema showed red globules (50%) and irregular red dots (16.7%). Acne keloidalis nuchae exhibited radial white streaks (62.5%), perifollicular white globules (50%), V-shaped hair (50%), and radial linear vessels (18.75%). Darier disease showed central hyperpigmented and white keratotic plugs, comedo-like openings, and interfollicular exaggerated pseudo-pigment areas.

Conclusion: Our study highlights that each follicular dermatosis presents specific dermoscopic patterns, supporting dermoscopy as a useful, noninvasive tool for differentiation that can complement histopathology.

To read the full article please click here.

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Dermoscopic Features of Pigmented Bowen Disease in Phototype IV Patients

molemax — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:19:18 +0000

Gabriel Salerni, Horacio Cabo, Emilia N. Cohen-Sabban, Sonia Rodríguez-Saa, Flavia Carolina Pozzobon, Cristian Navarrete-Dechent, Ivonne Arellano-Mendoza, Virginia M. González, Renato Marchiori Bakos, Nicole Orendain, Malynahi Tapia-Juarez, Luis Morales Godinez, Diana Guerrero Hernández, Sofía Andre, Susana Puig

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Research on the dermoscopic features of pigmented Bowen disease (pBD) in individuals with phototype IV skin is limited and consists primarily of case reports or small studies.

Objectives: We sought to describe the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of 21 cases of pBD in a skin phototype IV population.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of 21 histopathologically confirmed cases of pBD under the auspices of the Dermoscopy Chapter of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD).

Results: A total of 21 pBD cases in phototype IV patients (57% male, mean age 63.1 years) were analyzed. Lesions were most frequently located on the upper extremities and head and neck area (29% and 24%, respectively) and exhibited brown (90.5%) and pink (90.5%) coloration, with a higher prevalence of gray, black, and blue compared to lighter phototypes. Structureless areas (90.5%) and pigmented dots in a linear arrangement (71.4%) were the most frequent dermoscopic findings. Non-specific dermoscopic findings were observed in 23.8% (N=5) of cases.

Conclusion: PBD in phototype IV presents with a distinct dermoscopic pattern, including a higher proportion black and blue colors and fewer vascular structures than observed in lighter phototypes. The most prominent dermoscopic findings were structureless areas and pigmented dots, either in a central or peripheral linear arrangement; however, in a quarter of the cases, no specific clue was ob-served. These findings emphasize the need for tailored diagnostic approaches and the importance of biopsy when specific dermoscopic features are absent.

To read the full article, click here.

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DermLite Dermatoscope: Features and Clinical Uses

keshab — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 09:16:22 +0000

DermLite dermatoscope

DermLite dermatoscopes provide clear, high-resolution visualisation of subsurface skin structures essential for early melanoma detection and routine dermatology and skin cancer health practice. Built with precision optics, advanced LED illumination and strong digital-documentation support, they are widely used in clinics across Australia, the US, Europe and with global teledermatology environments. Their portability and optical consistency make them one of the most reliable tools in modern dermoscopy.

What is a DermLite dermatoscope?

A DermLite dermatoscope is a handheld diagnostic device designed to reveal pigment networks, vascular structures and lesion morphology that are not visible to the naked eye. Using polarised and non-polarised illumination, it removes surface glare and exposes deeper patterns crucial for clinical assessment. Its optical clarity and robust build quality support accurate and repeatable dermoscopic evaluation.

Key Features

Optics and Magnification

DermLite devices deliver distortion-free views with magnification typically ranging from 6× to 10×. Lens engineering supports consistent edge-to-edge detail, improving diagnostic accuracy during melanoma screening and lesion characterisation.

Lighting Modes

Advanced LED systems offer:
• Polarised illumination to view deeper structures
• Non-polarised light for surface texture and scale
• High-CRI LEDs for accurate colour representation

Some models provide additional modes such as UV, vascular enhancement, and pigment-specific filters for expanded diagnostic capability.

Power and Battery Performance

Available in rechargeable or replaceable battery formats, DermLite ensures reliable operation in clinics and mobile settings. Rechargeable models support high-volume workflows, while replaceable systems offer uninterrupted use in remote conditions.

Smartphone and Camera Integration

DermLite adapters allow mounting to smartphones, tablets, and DSLR cameras. This enables digital dermoscopy, teledermatology consultations and structured long-term lesion monitoring with consistent image capture.

Popular DermLite Models

DermLite GL: A compact, portable dermatoscope suitable for general screening. Its slim profile and smartphone-friendly design make it ideal for primary care and teledermatology use.

DermLite DL5: An advanced clinical model featuring polarised, non-polarised, pigment, and UV lighting modes. It is used extensively for melanoma detection and detailed lesion evaluation.

DermLite Carbon: A dual-polarisation device offering fluid-free dermoscopy. It provides high-fidelity structural detail and is preferred in dermatology practices that require consistent optical performance

DermLite DL4: An amazingly smooth, ergonomically optimised all-aluminium design that comfortably moulds to your hand with instant on/off control right at your fingertips.

Applications of DermLite Dermatoscopes

DermLite devices are used for:

• Routine mole checks and early skin cancer detection
• Monitoring pigmented lesions over time
• Melanoma risk evaluation using pattern analysis
• Vascular structure assessment
• Digital imaging workflows for teledermatology
• Comparative dermoscopy for long-term patient records

Their precision and digital compatibility make them suitable for both clinical dermatology and high-volume screening programs.

Conclusion

DermLite dermatoscopes are trusted for their optical accuracy, advanced illumination options, and strong digital-documentation capabilities. Choosing the right model depends on clinical needs, compact options for quick screenings, advanced units for melanoma detection,n and dual-polarisation systems for high-detail dermatology and skin cancer detection workflows.

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Handheld Dermatoscopes in Early Skin Cancer Detection

keshab — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 09:04:54 +0000

A handheld dermatoscope is a clinical imaging tool designed to reveal subsurface skin structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It enables precise examination of pigmentation, vascular patterns, and lesion morphology. Dermoscopy is a critical component of modern melanoma detection. Handheld devices remain essential because they offer portability, consistency, and immediate diagnostic clarity.

Handheld Dermatoscope vs Magnifying Glass

A handheld dermatoscope vs a magnifying glass comparison demonstrates a significant diagnostic gap. Magnifying glasses offer only surface-level enlargement and cannot eliminate reflections or reveal deeper structures. A dermatoscope provides polarised or non-polarised illumination, higher optical detail, and controlled visualisation of pigment networks, vessels, and lesion architecture.

For practices that still rely on basic magnifiers, transitioning to a proper dermatoscope reduces uncertainty and improves lesion assessment.

Clinical Use: Handheld Dermatoscope for Dermatology

A handheld dermatoscope for dermatology is used extensively in melanoma screening, pigmented lesion monitoring, and routine full-body skin checks.

It enables early identification of asymmetry, atypical pigmentation, and suspicious growth patterns.

Dermatologists and skin cancer practitioners also use handheld dermoscopy to decide whether a lesion requires biopsy, follow-up, or digital documentation.

Modern clinics integrate handheld Dermatoscopes with imaging platforms like MoleMax Systems to track changes over time and ensure consistent monitoring.

Technology Evolution and Device Types

Handheld dermatoscopes are available in polarised, non-polarised, and hybrid formats. Polarised light reduces surface glare and enhances visualisation of deeper pigment and vascular structures. Non-polarised dermoscopy reveals surface details and requires a contact plate with gel. Hybrid devices allow practitioners to switch instantly between modes.

Digital handheld dermatoscopes capture, transfer wirelessly, and are compatible with dermoscopy software. LED lighting, rechargeable batteries, and improved optics define the current generation of devices.

Handheld Dermatoscope Market Overview

The handheld dermatoscope market continues to expand as skin cancer rates rise globally and early detection becomes a priority. Clinics increasingly invest in portable, digital, and hybrid dermoscopy tools. Market growth is driven by increased awareness, improved technology, and broader use of dermoscopy in general practice, not just dermatology.

Manufacturers such as MoleMax contribute to market development with research-backed imaging systems and high-precision optics.

Benefits for Clinics and Practitioners

A handheld dermatoscope enhances clinical workflow by enabling rapid lesion evaluation, improved diagnostic confidence, and seamless integration with imaging and storage solutions. These devices are suitable for dermatology clinics, hospitals, primary care physicians, and skin health practitioners. They are also beneficial for teledermatology services.

Handheld dermoscopy minimises unnecessary excisions, supports accurate follow-up intervals, and strengthens patient communication through visual explanations.

Conclusion

The handheld dermatoscope remains one of the most important tools in early skin cancer detection. It outperforms magnifying tools in clarity, accuracy, and diagnostic reliability.

With advancements in optical technology and digital integration, handheld dermoscopy continues to lead the market and provide clinicians with essential capabilities for identifying melanoma and other skin conditions.

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Intravascular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC): A rare histopathologic finding with potential prognostic significance

molemax — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:36:43 +0000

Alexa S. Podolsky, BS ∙ Rachel Manci, MD ∙ Samantha S. Sattler, MD ∙ Daniel Lozeau, MD ∙ Jordan B. Slutsky, MD

Introduction

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cutaneous malignancy, and its incidence continues to increase over time. While cSCC generally portends a favorable prognosis, significant morbidity and mortality are possible in its more advanced stages.¹ The high-risk prognostic factors currently described by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) eighth edition and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) include tumor diameter greater than 2-cm, depth of invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat, bony invasion, poor-differentiation, and perineural invasion.² Intravascular invasion of cSCC is a rare histopathologic finding that is not currently described in either cSCC staging guideline, yet may influence locoregional recurrence and patient prognosis.^3-5 Herein, we present 2 cases of cSCC with intravascular invasion identified during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), summarize the prognostic data that are available to date, and provide management recommendations for surgical cases exhibiting this high-risk feature.

To read the full article please click here.

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Pigment Network Analysis in Melanoma and Nevi: Retrospective Study from Snippets to Full Dermoscopic Images

molemax — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:31:18 +0000

Noa Kremer, Isabella N. Dana, Emmanouil Chousakos, Larissa M. Pastore, Allan C. Halpern, Stephen W. Dusza, Jochen Weber; Ofer Reiter, Aimilios Lallas, Cristian Navarrete-Dechent, Ralph Braun, Harold S. Rabinovitz, Gustavo Carvalho, Rashek Kazi, Rozina B. Zeidan, Shirin Bajaj, Nicholas R. Kurtansky, Ashfaq A. Marghoob

Abstract

Introduction: Atypical network is a dermoscopic criterion that helps in the diagnosis of melanoma. Despite its importance, the interpretation of atypical networks varies widely among experts.

Objective: This study examined the impact of viewing the whole lesion versus viewing foci of pigment network (i.e., snippets) in isolation from within the lesion on expert classification of pigment network in dermoscopic images.

Method: Six dermoscopy experts, blinded to the diagnosis, each evaluated a total of 92 images (80 nevi and 12 melanomas) for the presence of typical versus atypical pigment network. While 57% of images had consistent classification of the network between whole lesion and snippets, 43% shifted the network classification between the snippet to the whole lesion view. Melanomas were more prone than nevi to intra-rater discrepancy between whole lesion and snippets (54.2% vs. 41.7%; odds ratio (OR): 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–2.47). The inter-observer agreement was higher for the snippet view (65.22%) than for the whole lesion view (55%).

Results: These findings suggest that both the objective morphology of the pigment network and the subjective interpretation of the network in context with other features within the lesion influence expert classification of pigment network.

Conclusion: Factors such as the variability in the distribution, thickness, and color of network lines, overall pattern, and other dermoscopic structures likely contributed to the classification changes.

To read the full article please visit this site – Dermatology Practical & Conceptual

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Local Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Melanoma In Situ

molemax — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:23:11 +0000

Clio Dessinioti, Aggeliki Befon, Mihaella Plaka, Aikaterini Niforou, Katerina Kypreou, Alan C Geller, Alexander J Stratigos

Abstract

Importance: The overdiagnosis of melanoma in situ (MIS) is well documented. There is limited evidence on the rate of local recurrence of the non-lentigo maligna (non-LM)/non-acral lentiginous melanoma (non-ALM) subtypes.

Objective: To investigate local recurrence and prognosis in non-LM/non-ALM MIS, the histopathological clearance of the excisional biopsy margins, and the association with the size of wide excision margins.

Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective cohort study included patients with non-LM/non-ALM MIS diagnosed from 1991 to 2023 who were followed up for at least 1 year at the Skin Cancer and Melanoma Unit of Andreas Sygros University Hospital in Athens, Greece. Patients with a history of invasive melanoma or a histopathological diagnosis of LM or ALM in situ were excluded. Median (IQR) follow-up was 5.2 (2.9-7.9) years. Deidentified data on patient demographics and clinical characteristics, including the histopathological clearance of margins of the initial excisional biopsy and the size of margins of the wide excision, were obtained from medical records.

Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcomes were local recurrence, metastasis, and melanoma-specific survival.

Results: A total of 401 patients (214 [53.4%] women) with 403 non-LM/non-ALM MIS and a median (IQR) age of 52 (40-62) years were included in the analysis. MIS was frequently located on the trunk (201 lesions [49.9%]), followed by the lower extremity (99 [24.6%]), the upper extremity (71 [17.6%]), and the head and neck (32 [7.9%]). All lesions were initially treated with excisional biopsy, followed by wide excision for 372 (92.3%). There was only 1 local recurrence in a patient with involved margins at the excisional biopsy who did not undergo wide excision and developed an invasive melanoma 14 months later. Thirty lesions in 30 patients had clear excisional biopsy margins with no wide excision and had no recurrence at a median (IQR) follow-up of 8.1 (4.1-12.9) years. In 23 patients with 23 lesions that had wide excision with narrower than the standard 0.5-cm margins (mean [SD] margin size, 0.36 [0.07] cm), no recurrences were found at a median (IQR) follow-up of 4.3 (2.7-6.2) years. During follow-up, 6 patients (1.5%) developed a lesion suspicious for recurrence near the excision scar, which was excised and showed nevus or solar lentigo on histopathology. No patients had metastasis or melanoma-specific death.

Conclusions and relevance: This cohort study found that diagnostic excisional biopsies with clear margins may be sufficient for treating MIS; however, larger studies are necessary.

To access the full article please click here.

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Managing a pigmented skin lesion on the foot

molemax — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:05:48 +0000

Authors: Yazan Al-Absi and Tony Dicker

CASE

A woman, aged 69 years, presented with a lesion on the sole of her left foot that had been present and slowly enlarging for over a year (Figure 1). She was not concerned by the lesion, but her podiatrist advised her to get it checked. The lesion was asymptomatic.

She is of Māori background and has no previous personal or family history of skin cancer. She has well-controlled hypertension and diabetes and is otherwise in good health.

To review the full case please click here.

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