Product Description

The perfect one-stop shop for the beginner in dermoscopy!

Diagnosis of malignant melanoma can be significantly improved by the use of dermoscopy (also known as dermatoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy or surface microscopy). This book clearly and concisely explains the principles of this revolutionary technique, how to perform a dermoscopy and how to interpret the results. The book uses checklists, algorithms, and brief text descriptions to convey the key messages, and contains over 375 colour dermoscopic images with clinical correlates. It has a practical emphasis throughout and is designed for quick reference. It also includes information on the common diagnostic pitfalls faced when diagnosing with dermoscopy.

Written by five dermatologists with vast teaching experience, this book aims to take the mystery out of dermoscopy and make this technique accessible for all dermatologists and clinicians responsible for diagnosing skin cancer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #213500 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 248 pages

About the Author
MD

Customer Reviews

Clear and readable guide to a new diagnostic technique
The new (actually not so new really, but only quite recently being widely adopted) diagnostic technique of dermoscopy has the potential to reduce the 2,000 or so UK patients who die from malignant melanoma skin cancer. Training in the technique is not so easy to find-I paid £250 to attend a day course in London 2 years ago by the 2 main teachers of this book, that makes the price for this book look cheap, especially if bought together with the Menzies atlas.

The Menzies book is arguably better value for money, as it is a bit cheaper and also comes with an interactive CDROM, and was the one I read first. However, the Johr et al book does in my opinion (others may differ) have better colour photographs, less jargon and a better communication style. The serious student will obtain both books, the price will be less than the cost to the NHS of a single patient referral to hospital.

The best way to start dermoscopy (in the absence of an apprenticeship in the skin cancer clinic, unrealistic for most working GPs) is after studying the book, and then with great concern about the risk of giving a false reassurance. However, the vast majority of pigmented lesions presenting to the GP will be benign warts, moles and haemangiomas. Thewse lesions have characteristic dermoscopically visible features, and may be easily proven to be benign by an apprentice dermoscopist using the clear diagnostic criteria for benign lesions in this boook.

If in any doubt the GP must refer suspicious lesions, but working in a skin cancer clinic and also in the community, I can say that every week I see patients referred to hospital with lesions their GP suspected as cancer, which I would NEVER have referred after dermoscoping them.

An added benefit of dermoscopy in the GP surgery is that once it is known that Dr A has a 'skin microscope', more people who are ignoring a suspicious skin lesion which in fact has the potential to kill them may come forward.

This is a very useful book, certainly in my view one doctor in each GP surgery should obtain it and then after due study obtain a dermoscope and start using it. Malignant melanoma skin cancer kills 2,000 UK patients per annum and we know that earlier diagnosis is the only factor that can reduce that grim figure. Earlier diagnosis rests in Primary Care with better trained and equipped family doctors.