Algorithms and the elephant approach

Unit 1 – Introduction to Dermoscopic Algorithms
This unit traces the development of dermoscopic algorithms from early pattern analysis to simplified diagnostic tools designed to support beginners. It explains the origins of the ABCD rule, Menzies’ method, and the Seven-Point Checklist, highlighting how each approach reduces complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. The unit introduces the increasingly simplified pathway from seven points to three, two, and eventually one key question. Learners also receive an overview of the Elephant Approach, which allows clinicians to rapidly classify lesions as “good” or “bad” through visual intuition supported by structured rules.

Unit 2 – Blink, Think, and Compare Method
This unit introduces a practical three-step strategy for recognising melanoma. The blink step leverages instant visual intuition to identify obviously benign or clearly malignant lesions. When intuition is insufficient, the think step uses analytic criteria such as symmetry, colour, structure, and melanoma-specific features. If uncertainty remains, the compare method places the lesion in context, assessing it relative to a patient’s broader pattern of nevi. The unit also provides guidance on when to excise, when to monitor, and when comparative analysis is essential for patients with numerous lesions.

Unit 3 – The Elephant Approach and Practical Pattern Recognition
This unit demonstrates how the Elephant Approach works in real clinical examples. Using numerous dermoscopic images, the presenter guides learners through rapid good/bad classification of melanocytic nevi, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, angioma, blue nevus, Spitz nevus, congenital nevi, and dermatofibroma. The unit reinforces common benign patterns such as reticular, globular, homogeneous blue, and starburst patterns, while contrasting them with melanoma indicators including asymmetry, irregular networks, blue-white structures, regression areas, pseudopods, and vascular clues. The unit builds strong visual intuition supported by concise diagnostic rules.

Unit 4 – Self-Assessment Quiz and Consolidation
The course concludes with an interactive diagnostic quiz featuring 20 dermoscopic cases. Learners apply the Elephant Approach, blink–think–compare strategies, and key algorithmic principles to classify lesions as nevus, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, angioma, or dermatofibroma. Immediate guided feedback reinforces recognition of hallmark features such as arborising vessels, ovoid nests, pigment networks, lacunae, pseudocysts, starburst patterns, and asymmetrical structures. This final unit consolidates learning and strengthens practical confidence in triaging suspicious lesions during routine clinical practice.

1. Determine the correct steps to triage suspicious lesions using the Three Point Checklist screening method.
2. Evaluate the Elephant Approach for diagnostic specificity.

All degree qualified medical practitioners.