Malignant non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice

The Malignant Non-Melanocytic Lesions course is a detailed, evidence-based program designed to help healthcare professionals accurately diagnose and manage keratinocyte cancers using dermatoscopy. Led by Prof. Harald Kittler, a specialist in dermoscopy, the course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the following key areas:

Introduction to Malignant Non-Melanocytic Lesions: Participants will first be introduced to the distinction between melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions, focusing primarily on keratinocyte cancers. Prof. Kittler highlights the importance of recognising basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in everyday clinical practice, emphasising their morbidity and, in some cases, mortality rates.

Dermoscopy Patterns for Basal Cell Carcinoma: This section delves into the use of dermatoscopy for identifying BCC. Participants will learn to recognise specific patterns such as blue and grey clods, radial lines, and serpentine vessels, which are indicative of both pigmented and non-pigmented variants of BCC. Prof. Kittler explains how to distinguish BCC from similar-looking lesions like seborrheic keratosis, ensuring accurate diagnosis.

Dermoscopy Patterns for Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Bowen’s Disease: The course also covers the diagnosis of SCC, including both highly and poorly differentiated forms. Participants will gain insights into recognising keratin plugs, white circles, and coiled vessels that signify SCC, as well as differentiating SCC from conditions like actinic keratosis and Bowen’s disease. Special attention is given to pigmented SCC and its rare occurrences​.

Interactive Case Discussions: Throughout the course, participants will engage in case discussions to reinforce learning. These discussions challenge participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, identifying patterns and clues in dermoscopic images to make clinical decisions​.

By the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of the dermoscopic features of malignant non-melanocytic lesions and be able to confidently integrate these diagnostic techniques into their clinical practice.