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Cited by 195Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Managementmelanin and skin pigmentationCancer and Skin Lesions

Semiological value of ABCDE criteria in the diagnosis of cutaneous pigmented tumors

Thomas, L., Tranchand, P., Berard, F., Secchi, T., Colin, C., Moulin, G.·1998·Dermatology
DOI 10.1159/000017969
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the semiological value of the so-called ABCDE criteria in the differential diagnosis of pigmented tumours. Aside from the classical ABCD criteria, an E criterion for 'enlargement' is studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records from melanoma patients were obtained from a melanoma database prospectively including patients treated for melanoma in our department since 1992; 460 files were found informative for this study. A prospective control group was established including 680 cases of benign pigmented tumors. All cases included in the study were histopathologically controlled in our dermatopathology unit. Records of ABCDE, i.e. corresponding to asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular coloration, diameter > or = 6 mm and enlargement, were codified as present or absent in every case. Data were statistically compared for every individual criterion with the chi 2 test and for the number of criteria present in melanoma versus other pigmented tumors with Student's t test. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for all individual criteria (p < 0.001) between melanomas and common nevi. Significant differences were also observed for B, C and E criteria between melanomas and atypical nevi. The sensitivity of the individual criteria for the diagnosis of melanoma was 57, 57, 65, 90 and 84% for ABCDE, respectively. The specificity of the individual criteria for the diagnosis of melanoma versus other pigmented tumors was 72, 71, 59, 63 and 90% for ABCDE, respectively. The number of criteria present was significatively different between common nevi (1.24 +/- 1.26) and melanomas (3.53 +/- 1.53; p < 0.001) and between common nevi and atypical nevi (3.62 +/- 0.83, p < 0.001), but no significant difference was found between melanomas and atypical nevi. Sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of melanoma are 89.3 and 65.3% if 2 criteria are present. Sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of melanoma are 65.5 and 81% if 3 criteria are present. CONCLUSION: The so-called ABCD criteria have a good semiological value in the differential diagnosis of pigmented tumors. Addition of an E criterion for enlargement optimizes sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis.

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Crossref · 10.1159/000017969

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  • Only one app acknowledged any research and developmental processes; the Melanoma Visual Risk Calculator was based on the diagnostic value of the ABCDE criteria for patient users.

    “Even though several of the apps incorporated the ABCDE method, only one app acknowledged any research and developmental processes; the Melanoma Visual Risk Calculator was based on the diagnostic value of the ABCDE criteria for patient users.17”

    From Smartphone applications for melanoma detection by community, patient and generalist clinician users: a review (2015) · cites this paper as [17]

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Authors
Thomas, L., Tranchand, P., Berard, F., Secchi, T., Colin, C., & Moulin, G.
Affiliations
  • Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon (FR)
  • Hospices Civils de Lyon (FR)
ORCID
Thomas, L.
Venue
Dermatology
Publisher
S. Karger AG
Published
1998
Volume
197
Issue
1
Pages
11-17
ISSN
  • 1018-8665 (ISSN-L)
  • 1421-9832
DOI
10.1159/000017969
OpenAlex
W2088237683
Cited by
195
References
21
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 11
FWCI
0.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Dermatology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Cancer and Skin Lesions
Keywords
ABCDE criteria, melanoma, pigmented skin tumors, differential diagnosis, common nevi, dysplastic nevi, tumor enlargement, sensitivity and specificity, skin lesion morphology, dermatopathology, skin cancer screening, melanoma staging
MeSH terms
Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Humans, Male, Melanoma, Nevus, Pigmented, Prospective Studies, Sensitivity and Specificity, Skin Neoplasms

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