Standardization of terminology in dermoscopy/dermatoscopy: Results of the third consensus conference of the International Society of Dermoscopy Journal Article


Authors: Kittler, H.; Marghoob, A. A.; Argenziano, G.; Carrera, C.; Curiel-Lewandrowski, C.; Hofmann-Wellenhof, R.; Malvehy, J.; Menzies, S.; Puig, S.; Rabinovitz, H.; Stolz, W.; Saida, T.; Soyer, H. P.; Siegel, E.; Stoecker, W. V.; Scope, A.; Tanaka, M.; Thomas, L.; Tschandl, P.; Zalaudek, I.; Halpern, A.
Article Title: Standardization of terminology in dermoscopy/dermatoscopy: Results of the third consensus conference of the International Society of Dermoscopy
Abstract: Background: Evolving dermoscopic terminology motivated us to initiate a new consensus. Objective: We sought to establish a dictionary of standardized terms. Methods: We reviewed the medical literature, conducted a survey, and convened a discussion among experts. Results: Two competitive terminologies exist, a more metaphoric terminology that includes numerous terms and a descriptive terminology based on 5 basic terms. In a survey among members of the International Society of Dermoscopy (IDS) 23.5% (n = 201) participants preferentially use descriptive terminology, 20.1% (n = 172) use metaphoric terminology, and 484 (56.5%) use both. More participants who had been initially trained by metaphoric terminology prefer using descriptive terminology than vice versa (9.7% vs 2.6%, P < .001). Most new terms that were published since the last consensus conference in 2003 were unknown to the majority of the participants. There was uniform consensus that both terminologies are suitable, that metaphoric terms need definitions, that synonyms should be avoided, and that the creation of new metaphoric terms should be discouraged. The expert panel proposed a dictionary of standardized terms taking account of metaphoric and descriptive terms. Limitations: A consensus seeks a workable compromise but does not guarantee its implementation. Conclusion: The new consensus provides a revised framework of standardized terms to enhance the consistent use of dermoscopic terminology.
Keywords: consensus; melanoma; actinic keratosis; dermatoscopy; in-vivo; basal-cell carcinoma; noninvasive diagnosis; pigmented skin lesions; polarized dermoscopy; nevi; diagnostic-accuracy; pigmented skin-lesions; terminology; nonmelanoma skin cancer; vascular structures; lichen-planus; rainbow pattern; shiny white streaks
Journal Title: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume: 74
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0190-9622
Publisher: Mosby Elsevier  
Date Published: 2016-06-01
Start Page: 1093
End Page: 1106
Language: English
ACCESSION: WOS:000376179200018
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.038
PROVIDER: wos
PUBMED: 26896294
PMCID: PMC5551974
Notes: Article -- Source: Wos
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  1. Allan C Halpern
    396 Halpern
  2. Alon Scope
    125 Scope
  3. Ashfaq A Marghoob
    534 Marghoob