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Review
. 2024 Aug;91(2):207-220.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.07.001. Epub 2023 Jul 8.

Surface anatomy in dermatology: Part I-Clinical importance, diagnostic utility, and impact on medical management

Eric J Beltrami  1 , Christian Gronbeck  2 , Neelesh Jain  2 , Geneva Hargis  1 , Hao Feng  3 , Jane M Grant-Kels  4 , Brett Sloan  5
Affiliations
Review

Surface anatomy in dermatology: Part I-Clinical importance, diagnostic utility, and impact on medical management

Eric J Beltrami et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

This continuing medical education series reviews updated Delphi consensus surface anatomy terminology through the lens of common medical and procedural dermatology scenarios, helping to underscore high-yield points that can be readily integrated into clinical practice to support patient care. Part I of this series will discuss the current state of surface anatomy terminology in dermatology, outline implications of precise and consistent terminology, provide an illustrative overview of high-yield consensus terminology, highlight prominent landmarks that can aid in critical diagnoses, and relate the importance of precise terminology to medical management. Part II will draw upon consensus terminology to inform the management of cutaneous malignancies and support optimal outcomes in dermatologic procedures.

Keywords: accurate; dermatology; medical dermatology; precise; procedural dermatology; surface anatomy; surgical dermatology; terminology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest Dr Grant-Kels serves as a deputy editor of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, is chief medical officer and member of the board of VeraDermics, Inc, and medical advisor for DermaSensor, Inc. Dr Feng is a consultant for Soliton Inc and Cytrellis Biosystems. Dr Sloan serves as an editor of JAAD Case Reports and consultant for Medscape. Drs Beltrami, Gronbeck, Hargis, and Jain have no conflicts of interest to declare.