Abstract
Objective: To identify and analyze subtypes of globules based on size, shape, network connectedness, pigmentation, and distribution to determine which globule types and globule distributions are most frequently associated with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Design: Retrospective case series of dermoscopy images with globules. Setting: Private dermatology practices. Participants: Patients in dermatology practices. Intervention: Observation only. Main Outcome Measure: Association of globule types with malignant melanoma. Results: The presence of large globules (odds ratio [OR], 5.25) and globules varying in size (4.72) or shape (5.37) had the highest ORs for malignant melanoma among all globule types and combinations studied. Classical globules (dark, discrete, convex, and 0.10-0.20 mm) had a higher risk (OR, 4.20) than irregularly shaped globules (dark, discrete, and not generally convex) (2.89). Globules connected to other structures were not significant in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Of the different configurations studied, asymmetric clusters have the highest risk (OR, 3.02). Conclusions: The presence of globules of varying size or shape seems to be more associated with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma than any other globule type or distribution in this study. Large globules are of particular importance in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
Recommended Citation
J. Xu and K. K. Gupta and W. V. Stoecker and Y. Krishnamurthy and H. S. Rabinovitz and A. Bangert and D. A. Calcara and M. C. Oliviero and J. M. Malters and R. J. Drugge and R. J. Stanley and R. H. Moss and M. E. Celebi, "Analysis of Globule Types in Malignant Melanoma," Archives of Dermatology, vol. 145, no. 11, pp. 1245 - 1251, American Medical Association, Nov 2009.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1001/archdermatol.2009.285
Department(s)
Chemistry
Second Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Cancer Risk; Classification; Differential Diagnosis; Epiluminescence Microscopy; Globule; Human; Image Analysis; Juvenile Melanoma; Melanoma; Pigmentation; Predictor Variable; Priority Journal; Retrospective Study; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin Structure; Cohort Studies; Dermoscopy; Diagnosis; Differential; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Humans; Male; Nevus; Pigmented; Odds Ratio; Predictive Value of Tests; Probability; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2009 American Medical Association, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Nov 2009
