Impact of dermoscopy and short-term sequential digital dermoscopy imaging for the management of pigmented lesions in primary care: a sequential intervention trial

Summary Background Studies have shown the benign to malignant ratio of excised pigmented skin lesions is suboptimal in primary care. Objectives To assess the impact of dermoscopy and short‐term sequential digital dermoscopy imaging (SDDI) on the management of suspicious pigmented skin lesions by primary care physicians. Methods A total of 63 primary care physicians were trained in the use of dermoscopy and SDDI (interventions) and then recruited pigmented lesions requiring biopsy or referral in routine care by naked eye examination. They were then given a dermatoscope and the option of a SDDI instrument, and change of diagnosis and management was assessed. Results Following the use of the interventions on 374 lesions a total of 163 lesions (43·6%) were excised or referred, representing a reduction of 56·4%. Of the 323 lesions confirmed to be benign, 118 (36·5%) were excised or referred, leading to a reduction of 63·5% (P