Dermoscopy for difficult melanomas

This course covers a single, detailed unit focused on various challenging melanoma types:

Unit 1: Difficult Melanomas
This unit introduces the concept of melanomas that lack the typical ABCD (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter) characteristics, making them harder to diagnose. It provides an overview of the types of difficult melanomas, including:

Nodular Melanomas: Often amelanotic and lacking clear chaos or asymmetry, these melanomas require careful dermoscopic evaluation of growth patterns, colors, and vessel structures to detect.

Desmoplastic Melanomas: These melanomas often present as subcutaneous masses with minimal surface changes, making them harder to spot with dermoscopy. Recognizing atypical vessels and relying on patient symptoms are key for diagnosis​.

Amelanotic Melanomas: With little to no pigmentation, these melanomas often rely on detecting polymorphous vessels and shiny white structures using dermoscopy​.

Verrucous Melanomas: These melanomas can mimic seborrheic keratosis, requiring a thorough examination of all quadrants of a lesion to avoid misdiagnosis​.

The unit also emphasizes the importance of patient self-examination, early detection through dermoscopy, and the role of evolution in lesion monitoring. Through practical case studies, participants will gain confidence in identifying melanomas that are difficult to diagnose based on conventional clinical features alone.

1. Categorise and evaluate dermoscopic clues to safely diagnose difficult melanomas.
2. Design methods for dealing safely with difficult melanomas.

All degree qualified medical practitioners.