Remote Telemedicine Highly Accurate at Diagnosing Melanoma

Remote analysis of cancerous-looking skin growths yields the same level of accuracy as having a dermatologist examine them in person, according to a new study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology. 

For the research, the investigators analyzed 147 men and women who had responded to newspaper ads after identifying suspicious lesions on their skin. The surveys assessed both personal and family history of skin cancer, melanoma risk factors, and the history of each worrisome skin spot, among other factors. Subsequently, a general dermatologist performed a physical exam using the visual appearance of the blemishes and a dermatoscope to make a diagnosis, and if needed, performed a biopsy.

Following in person analysis, researchers captured clinical and dermoscopic images, which were sent to a central server for remote review by a separate team of skin cancer specialists with expertise using dermoscopy. The team reviewed the questionnaires and images to determine their own diagnosis.

According to the findings, 97% of the evaluated lesions were later determined by biopsy to be benign. Notably, both the dermatologists who examined the participants in-person and those who instead relied on clinical photos and dermoscopy alone detected 11 out of the 13 cases of skin cancer, including two melanomas. Furthermore, the study showed that almost 90% of the patients were satisfied with the telemedicine experience, and one-fifth expressed that they preferred this method of exam over an in-person appointment with a specialist.

“A key advantage of teledermoscopy platforms is that community health workers can be trained to collect images and send them out for expert review,” said Polsky, the Alfred W. Kopf, MD, Professor of Dermatologic Oncology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “As a result, this technology could be used in the future to offer virtual triage services in walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and community centers.”