Anthony M Rossi

Guest Editor for the following articles:

Mar
2016
Vol. 35. No. 1

Current state of imaging in dermatology

Anthony M Rossi, MD | Brian P. Hibler, BS | Qiaochu Qi, BA, MPH

Medical imaging has dramatically transformed the practice of medicine, especially the field of dermatology. Imaging is used to facilitate the transfer of information between providers, document cutaneous disease, assess response to therapy, and plays a crucial role in monitoring and diagnosing skin cancer. Advancements in imaging technology and overall improved quality of imaging have augmented the utility of photography. We provide an overview of current imaging technologies used in dermatology with a focus on their role in skin cancer diagnosis. Future technologies include three-dimensional, total-body photography, mobile smartphone applications, and computerassisted diagnostic devices. With these advancements, we are better equipped to capture and monitor skin conditions longitudinally and achieve improved diagnostic accuracy of skin cancer.


Semin Cutan Med Surg 35:2-8 © 2016 Frontline Medical
Communications

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Mar
2016
Vol. 35. No. 1

The role of imaging in the prevention of wrong-site surgery in dermatology

David B Harker, BS | Divya Srivastava, MD | Rajiv I Nijhawan, MD | Todd Mollet, MD

Wrong-site surgery in dermatology often results from inaccurate identification of a skin cancer biopsy site. Factors making biopsy-site identification difficult include background actinic damage, delays from biopsy to surgery, and lack of photographic documentation. While other methods exist for biopsy-site identification, photography is the most helpful tool available. Although modern technology has made high-quality photographic equipment ubiquitous and easy to use, photography for biopsy-site identification continues to be underutilized. The authors recommend that photographic documentation of biopsy sites become the standard of care.


Semin Cutan Med Surg 35:9-12 © 2016 Frontline Medical Communications

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Mar
2016
Vol. 35. No. 1

Self-acquired patient images: the promises and the pitfalls

Divya Srivastava, MD | Rajiv I Nijhawan, MD | Shadi Damanpour, BS

Self-acquired patient images, also known as selfies, are increasingly utilized in the practice of dermatology; however, research on their utility is somewhat limited. While the implementation of selfies has yet to be universally accepted, their role in triage appears to be especially useful. The potential for reducing office wait times, expediting referrals, and providing dermatologic services to patients with limited access to care is promising. In addition, as technology advances, the number of smartphone applications related to dermatology that are available to the general public has risen exponentially. With appropriate standardization, regulation, and confidentiality measures, these tools can be feasible adjuncts in clinical practice, dermatologic surgery, and teledermatology. Selfies likely will have a large role in dermatologic practice and delivery in the future.


Semin Cutan Med Surg 35:13-17 © 2016 Frontline Medical Communications

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Mar
2016
Vol. 35. No. 1

Advances in noninvasive imaging of melanoma

Giovanni Pellacani, MD | Tyler D Menge, BA

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and its incidence has risen sharply in recent decades. Early detection of disease is critical for improving patient outcomes.


Semin Cutan Med Surg 35:18-24 © 2016 Frontline Medical Communications

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Mar
2016
Vol. 35. No. 1

Computer-assisted diagnosis of melanoma

A Paul Cellura, , MD | Brian P Hibler, BS | Collin Fuller, BS | Katy Burris, MD

The computer-assisted diagnosis of melanoma is an exciting area of research where imaging techniques are combined with diagnostic algorithms in an attempt to improve detection and outcomes for patients with skin lesions suspicious for malignancy. Once an image has been acquired, it undergoes a processing pathway which includes preprocessing, enhancement, segmentation, feature extraction, feature selection, change detection, and ultimately classification. Practicality for everyday clinical use remains a vital question. A successful model must obtain results that are on par or outperform experienced dermatologists, keep costs at a minimum, be user-friendly, and be time efficient with high sensitivity and specificity.


Semin Cutan Med Surg 35:25-30 © 2016 Frontline Medical Communications

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