Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of «Chaos and Clues», «Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm» dermatoscopic algorithms and BLINСK techniques in the diagnosis of melanoma and other skin cancers depending on previous dermatoscopy experience

Aim. Comparison of the results of the use of dermatoscopic algorithms «Chaos and Clues», «Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm» (TADA) and BLINCK technique in the diagnosis of melanoma and other malignant skin tumors depending on the presence of previous dermatoscopy experience.

Materials and methods. Algorithms were tested on 85 patients with 85 skin formations who visited the polyclinic of Kursk Regional Clinical Oncology Clinic in 2017–2019. The average age of the patients was 54.8 years old. Dermatoscopy was performed by the non-polarized dermatoscope HEINE mini 3000, photo documentation by the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS camera. Immersion medium – ethyl alcohol (conc. 70%). Patients were carefully examined physiologically and clinically. A clinical and epiluminescence pattern of all neoplasms was obtained, their morphological examination was performed. For the research 2 groups of 3 participants were formed based on the criterion of previous dermatoscopy experience. Each algorithm was evaluated by objective (sensitivity, specificity) and subjective (speed, convenience) criteria. The dermatoscopic results obtained by the techniques used were compared to the histological findings.

Results. Using algorithms by a group having previous dermatoscopy experience, the following results were obtained: in the method «Chaos and Clues» sensitivity – 93.75±3.3%, specificity – 77.4±4.6%, speed – 3 points, convenience – 3 points. TADA sensitivity – 96.8±2.2%, specificity – 79.2±4.8%, speed – 4 points, convenience – 5 points. BLINCK sensitivity – 96.8±2.2% specificity – 77.4±4.6%, speed – 4 points, convenience – 5 points. In the group with no previous dermatoscopy experience, the results were as follows: in the «Chaos and Clues» algorithm, sensitivity – 93.75±3.3%, specificity – 62.3±5.7%, speed – 3 points, convenience – 3 points. TADA sensitivity – 84.4±4.6%, specificity – 64.2±5.8%, speed – 4 points, convenience – 5 points; BLINCK sensitivity – 80.6±4.4%, specificity – 77.4±4.6%, speed – 5 points, convenience – 4 points. Thus, these algorithms can be used in the diagnosis of malignant skin neoplasms. At the same time, individuals with no experience of dermatoscopy are encouraged to use the «Chaos and Clues» algorithm. In a group having experience in dermatoscopy, both the TADA and the BLINCK technique can be used equally.