Dermatoscopy as a Helpful Tool in Plastic Surgeon's Practice - A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the utility of dermatoscopy in plastic surgeons' practice in pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions management.

Material and methods: The examined group consisted of 68 patients with 132 lesions (50 women and 18 men) aged from 12 to 75 years (the mean: 47.2 years ± 16.9 years), who underwent dermatoscopy. Dermatoscopic photographs were analysed according to the ABCD and 7-point scales and then, a further treatment (surgical excision, electro resection or regular follow-up and observations) was planned.

Results: The mean score of all lesions according to ABCD scale was 2.34 while in 7-point scale it was 0.62. In male and female groups the number of lesions and their ABCD and 7-point scale scores were similar (p>0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that all excised lesions were benign (compound melanocytic nevi) which corresponded with dermatoscopic evaluation.

Conclusions: Dermatoscopy seems to be helpful in surgeons' dealing with skin lesions practise and in many cases it enables to choose less invasive technique of lesions' removal (electro resection), which gives better aesthetic results.