Cutaneous non-volar melanoma dermoscopy and histopathology correlation: a systematic review protocol

• Published in: BMJ open Vol. 15; no. 7; p. e090781
• Main Authors: Bouceiro Mendes, Rita, Henrique, Martinha, Augusto-Simões, Pedro, Argenziano, Giuseppe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 08.07.2025; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Data collection; Dermatological tumours; Dermatology; Dermatopathology; Dermoscopy - methods; Diagnostic Imaging; Histopathology; Humans; Medical prognosis; Medical Subject Headings-MeSH; Melanoma; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - diagnostic imaging; Melanoma - pathology; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant; Mutation; Observational studies; Observational Studies as Topic; Pathology; Protocol; Research Design; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Software; Systematic review; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Diagnostic Imaging; Dermatological tumours; Dermatopathology
• ISSN: 2044-6055; 2044-6055
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-090781

IntroductionDermoscopy has a proved validity in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma, which is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. Although some studies have demonstrated a relationship between specific dermoscopic and pathologic melanoma features, there is no solid evidence allowing reliable conclusions. This study will evaluate the evidence regarding this association.Methods and analysisObservational studies eligible for our systematic review will enrol adults with histological cutaneous non-volar melanoma diagnosis and with dermoscopy image analysis. We will search the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. We will not impose any language or date restrictions. Outcomes of interest include the association of at least one of the melanoma dermoscopy features (irregular pigmentation, blue-white veil, atypical network, multicomponent pattern, atypical dots and/or globules, regression, peripheral tan structureless area, negative network, shiny white structures, atypical vessels and streaks/pseudopods), with melanoma Breslow index or other histopathology characteristics (melanoma subtype, mitotic index and presence of ulceration). Two reviewers will independently screen and search results, extract data from eligible studies and assess risk of bias. The evidence derived by this study will elucidate the possible link between melanoma dermoscopy and histopathology. If we could predict melanoma thickness based on dermoscopy, we would be able to anticipate melanoma treatment with impact on survival.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required because this is a literature-based study. It will be published in scientific Pubmed indexed open access journals to ensure its accessibility.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024564919.