Presenter
Emily Martyny, PA-S
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Purpose/Objective: Melanoma cases are rising in the United States placing increased importance on early detection. Dermoscopy can be implemented on the frontlines in the primary care setting to help increase diagnosis of suspicious lesions compared with solely visual inspection. Methods: Articles were collected from the Johnson & Wales University library database with terms including: “dermoscopy,” “primary care,” “melanoma,” and “visual inspection.” Results: Jones et al. found that with training, dermoscopy in the primary care setting can increase the diagnostic accuracy for melanoma with a reduction in unnecessary excisions and referrals. De Bedout et al. concluded that specificity and sensitivity increase with the use of a dermatoscope for identification of a lesion as benign or malignant and for evaluation of a specific diagnosis. Harkemanne et al. confirmed that short-term dermoscopy training is non-inferior to long-term dermoscopy training in triaging of skin cancer. Conclusions: Findings suggested that dermoscopy, with training, can improve early detection of melanoma in primary care with reduced referrals and biopsies. As a physician assistant (PA) working in primary care, implementing the tool in practice can reduce the time to detection for deadly skin lesions and minimize healthcare burden.
Faculty Mentor
Kelli Kruzel, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Martyny, Emily, "Dermoscopy for Melanoma Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2024). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 156.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/156