The diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy for basal cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ofer Reiter, Ilit Mimouni, Michael Gdalevich, Ashfaq A. Marghoob, Assi Levi, Emmilia Hodak, Yael Anne Leshem

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of skin lesions. Its accuracy for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been systematically studied. Objective: We sought to systematically investigate the accuracy of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of BCC compared with examination with the naked eye. Methods: A systematic review of studies reporting the accuracy of naked eye examination and dermoscopy for the diagnosis of BCC was conducted. A meta-analysis for sensitivity and specificity was performed using a bivariate mixed-effects logistic regression modeling framework. Results: Seventeen studies were identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of BCC were 91.2% and 95%, respectively. In studies comparing test performance, adding dermoscopy to naked eye examination improved sensitivity from 66.9% to 85% (P =.0001) and specificity from 97.2% to 98.2% (P =.006). The sensitivity and specificity of dermoscopy were higher for pigmented than nonpigmented BCC. Sensitivity increased when dermoscopy was performed by experts and when the diagnosis was based on in-person dermoscopy as opposed to dermoscopic photographs. Limitations: Significant heterogeneity among studies with a medium-to-high risk of bias. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a sensitive and specific add-on tool for the diagnosis of BCC. It is especially valuable for pigmented BCC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1380-1388
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume80
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2019

Keywords

  • basal cell carcinoma
  • dermatoscopy
  • dermoscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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