Abstract In situations in when a dermoscopic record of a large lesion is desirable, the resulting images are usually restricted to a small field of view due to the limited diameter of dermatoscope lenses. This limitation often produces several photographs separately, thus losing the possibility of a single-image global evaluation. In these case reports, we show examples of a recently published image montage technique called Wide Area Digital Dermoscopy, in this case, applied to basal cell carcinomas.

Abstract: Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive complementary diagnostic method largely used in dermatology. Feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility are key elements for a diagnostic method to be useful, hence the importance of the terminology used to describe dermoscopic criteria. Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility of the English descriptive terminology proposed for dermoscopic criteria at the 3rd Consensus Meeting of the International Dermoscopy Society in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: Nine Brazilian dermatologists independently analyzed the translation of sixty dermoscopic descriptive terms proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Society of Dermoscopy. Interobserver agreement index was analyzed using the Fleiss' kappa test. Results: The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology in Brazilian Portuguese was considered weak (κ = 0.373; p < 0.05). The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology used to describe morphology and arrangement of vascular structures was considered moderate (κ = 0.43; p < 0.05). Study limitations: Our study limitations include the small number of participants and limited regional representation (only 2 out of 5 Brazilian regions were represented). Conclusions: The descriptive English terminology proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Dermoscopy Society revealed weak reproducibility and the morphology and arrangement of vascular structures presented moderate reproducibility in Brazilian Portuguese. Despite small regional differences, metaphoric terminology in dermoscopy seems to be the most useful and reproducible system to be adopted in Brazilian Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: Digital dermoscopy is the gold standard follow-up method for patients with high risk for developing cutaneous malignant melanoma. By comparing the same lesion at different moments, it allows early detection of subtle changes that could suggest the diagnosis of melanoma. Thus, it is clear that the test must be repeated after a period of time, according to time intervals determined by the evaluator. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate adherence of patients to follow-up examinations using digital dermoscopy. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 36 patients who underwent digital dermoscopic examination and total-body photography in a private medical center between September 2010 and January 2013. Results: Only 25% of the patients returned for followup evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Low adherence to digital dermoscopy follow-up could compromise the efficacy of this valuable method. This lack of adherence represents a challenge for the evaluator.