The Revised 7-point dermoscopy checklist for melanoma is a diagnostic tool designed to aid in the early detection of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This checklist is particularly useful in assessing suspicious skin lesions in patients at risk for melanoma.
The checklist comprises seven primary components, each assigned a score of 1 if present. These components include an atypical pigment network, a blue-white veil, an atypical vascular pattern, irregular streaks, irregular blotches, irregular dots or globules, and regression structures. The presence of each feature is indicative of potential melanoma and contributes to the overall score.
The total score is calculated by summing the individual scores for each component. A score of 1 or more suggests a high likelihood of melanoma, warranting further investigation through excision and histopathological examination. This scoring system thus provides a structured approach to the dermoscopic evaluation of skin lesions, facilitating early detection and treatment of melanoma.
Reference
G Argenziano, C Catricalà, M Ardigo et al. Seven-point checklist of dermoscopy revisited. Br J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;164(4):785-90.
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