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Radick AC, Reisch LM, Shucard HL, Piepkorn MW, Kerr KF, Elder DE, Barnhill RL, Knezevich SR, Oster N, Elmore JG. Terminology for melanocytic skin lesions and the MPATH-Dx classification schema: A survey of dermatopathologists. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 48:733-738. [PMID: 32935869 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic terms used in histopathology reports of cutaneous melanocytic lesions are not standardized. We describe dermatopathologists' views regarding diverse diagnostic terminology and the utility of the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) for categorizing melanocytic lesions. METHODS July 2018-2019 survey of board-certified and/or fellowship-trained dermatopathologists with experience interpreting melanocytic lesions. RESULTS Among 160 participants, 99% reported witnessing different terminology being used for the same melanocytic lesion. Most viewed diverse terminology as confusing to primary care physicians (98%), frustrating to pathologists (83%), requiring more of their time as a consultant (64%), and providing necessary clinical information (52%). Most perceived that adoption of the MPATH-Dx would: improve communication with other pathologists and treating physicians (87%), generally be a change for the better (80%), improve patient care (79%), be acceptable to clinical colleagues (68%), save time in pathology report documentation (53%), and protect from malpractice (51%). CONCLUSIONS Most dermatopathologists view diverse terminology as contributing to miscommunication with clinicians and patients, adversely impacting patient care. They view the MPATH-Dx as a promising tool to standardize terminology and improve communication. The MPATH-Dx may be a useful supplement to conventional pathology reports. Further revision and refinement are necessary for widespread clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Radick
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lisa M Reisch
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hannah L Shucard
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael W Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen F Kerr
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David E Elder
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Raymond L Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, Paris Sciences and Letters Research University, Paris, France.,Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris Sciences and Letters Research University, Paris, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Natalia Oster
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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