This tool is intended primarily for medical practitioners who treat skin malignancies. It is based on the Chaos and Clues[1,2], and Prediction Without Pigment [3,4] flowcharts developed by the authors to aid in making a decision to biopsy a skin lesion to exclude or confirm malignancy. These are decision algorithms rather than methods to predict specific diagnosis.
Although these methods are primarily dermatoscopic it is essential that the decision making process involves taking an appropriate history and performing a thorough examination of the patient. For the purpose of reaching a specific diagnosis or narrowed differential diagnosis the authors recommend Revised Pattern Analysis [5].
Any method can miss malignancies. We recommend that this tool is studied in conjugation with references listed below and the authors accept no responsibility with respect to the use of this tool.
1. Rosendahl C, Cameron A, McColl I, Wilkinson D. Dermatoscopy in routine practice - “Chaos and Clues.”Aust Fam Physician. 2012 Jul;41(7):482–7.
2. Rosendahl C, Tschandl P, Cameron A, Kittler H. Diagnostic accuracy of dermatoscopy for melanocytic and nonmelanocytic pigmented lesions. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2011 Jun;64(6):1068–73.
3. Rosendahl C, Cameron A, Argenziano G, Zalaudek I, Tschandl P, Kittler H. Dermoscopy of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Keratoacanthoma. Arch Dermatol. 2012 Sep 17;1–7.
4. Rosendahl C, Cameron A, Tschandl P, Bulinska A, Zalaudek I, Kittler H Prediction without Pigment: a decision algorithm for non-pigmented skin malignancy Dermatol Pract Conc. In press
5. Kittler H, Rosendahl C, Cameron A, Tschandl P. Dermatoscopy wwwFacultas, Austria.