Can we improve melanoma detection methods?

Towards label-free non-invasive autofluorescence multispectral imaging for melanoma diagnosis

This study focuses on the use of cellular autofluorescence which visualizes the cell metabolism by monitoring endogenous fluorophores including NAD(P)H and flavins. It explores the potential of multispectral imaging of native fluorophores in melanoma diagnostics using excitation wavelengths ranging from 340 nm to 510 nm and emission wavelengths above 391 nm. Cultured immortalized cells are utilized to compare the autofluorescent signatures of two melanoma cell lines to one fibroblast cell line. Feature analysis identifies the most significant and least correlated features for differentiating the cells. The investigation successfully applies this analysis to pre-processed, noise-removed images and original background-corrupted data. Furthermore, the applicability of distinguishing melanomas and healthy fibroblasts based on their autofluorescent characteristics is validated using the same evaluation technique on patient cells. Additionally, the study tentatively maps the detected features to underlying biological processes. This research demonstrates the potential of cellular autofluorescence as a promising tool for melanoma diagnostics.

Clinical and Dermoscopic Features Associated With Difficult-to-Recognize Variants of Cutaneous Melanoma: A Systematic Review

Importance

The clinical and dermoscopic features of the vast majority of uncommon variants of cutaneous melanoma have been rarely reported, leading to difficulty in making accurate diagnoses.

Objective

To define the main clinical and dermoscopic features of the most frequently reported but uncommon histologic variants of cutaneous melanoma.

Evidence Review

A 2-step systematic review of the literature was performed (from inception to November 2018) using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The first step identified those uncommon variants of melanoma for which at least 1 case reporting dermoscopy was described in the literature. The keywords searched were melanoma, uncommon, rare, dermoscopy, and dermatoscopy. In the second step, each previously identified uncommon variant was searched for in the same databases by combining the following terms with melanoma, dermoscopy, and dermatoscopy: amelanotic, hypopigmented, animal, melanocytoma, balloon, desmoplastic, follicular, nested, nevoid, dermal, spitz*, spindle, and verrucous. The institution's database was also searched from January 2012 to September 2019 for histopathologically confirmed cases of the same melanoma variants. Each reviewer also assessed the quality of reporting in the included articles based on previously described guidelines.

Findings

In total, 62 articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting 433 melanoma cases. An additional 56 cases of uncommon melanoma variants were retrieved from the institution's database for a total of 489 cases: 283 cases of amelanotic superficial spreading melanoma, 18 cases of animal-type and pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma, 7 cases of balloon cell melanoma, 71 cases of desmoplastic melanoma, 3 cases of follicular melanoma, 10 cases of nested melanoma, 33 cases of nevoid melanoma, 2 cases of primary dermal melanoma, 57 cases of spitzoid melanoma, and 5 cases of verrucous melanoma. These variants of melanoma occurred more frequently in women than men (147 cases vs 132 cases). Clinically, these tumors were mainly palpable (162 of 217 [74.7%]) or amelanotic (283 of 489 [57.9%]) lesions that could resemble other benign or malignant skin conditions; dermoscopy typically revealed a homogeneous pinkish background, white structures, and polymorphic vessels. The mean age of all included was 58 years (range, 1-89 years).

Conclusions and Relevance

Uncommon melanoma variants may resemble both inflammatory disorders and other cutaneous neoplasms, representing a diagnostic pitfall even for the most experienced dermatologist. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide an extensive and detailed overview of specific clinical and dermoscopic features of each uncommon melanoma variant, highlighting the main criteria for differentiating these variants from other benign or malignant skin lesions.