Faster Evaluation of ABCD Rule and Total Dermoscopic Score for Nevomelanocytic Lesions: Dermoscopic Score Scale

Abstract

Background: Dermoscopy is a dermatological examination method that is made with a special magnifying device called dermoscope (or dermatoscope). The device is usually used in the evaluation of nevomelanocytic lesions, and it is especially important in determining A, B, C, and D scores used in the calculation of “total dermoscopic score (TDS)”. This score facilitates the identification of malignancy risk of lesions. For this evaluation, there is a need for several mathematical calculations, which are quite time-consuming. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a new scale to calculate the score quicker to accelerate the determination of malignancy risk of nevomelanocytic lesions. Methods: All possible scores, which were obtained by the addition of individually multiplying all possible values of A, B, C, and D letters by their own coefficients, were mathematically calculated with a simple calculator. The quartets of ABCD giving the same score were reduced to their lowest numbers. All possible AB and CD pairs were systematically arranged on a scale that had a column of AB and a row of CD values. All results of the quartets were gradually placed on a scale from minimum to maximum. Results: A total of 810 quartets of ABCD were determined. By the reduction of ones giving the same scores, a total of 207 values were obtained. All quartets and their total scores were placed on a scale called “dermoscopic score scale”. On the scale, white, yellow, and red score areas indicated benign, suspicious, and high-risk nevomelanocytic lesions for melanoma. Conclusions: This scale helps faster obtain TDS of nevomelanocytic lesions by decreasing the calculation period, especially when an analog handheld dermoscope is used.