Unification of dermatoscopic terminology in the russian language

Background. Today, two main approaches to interpreting dermatoscopic images are used: descriptive and metaphorical terminology. The lack of a unified dermatoscopic terminology in the Russian language brings risks of ambiguous interpretation of signs, difficulties in describing dermatoscopic status, challenges in follow-up monitoring, and limited comparability of scientific data. Aim. To assess the terminology and protocols used in dermatoscopy when providing medical care to patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous diseases, skin neoplasms, and cosmetic skin defects in order to improve the quality of medical care. Methods. A special questionnaire (52 questions) was developed. Interviews may be performed in a mixed format. An anonymous survey of 402 physicians was conducted. Respondents were asked to describe three dermatoscopic images. Results. The vast majority of respondents noted the following aspects: the need for specialized terminology in order to describe and understand the dermatoscopic status (95%); lack of previously acquired knowledge and skills to use this diagnostic method freely (73.4%); and need for in-depth investigation of terminological nuances (89.1%). Most respondents (93.5%) supported the idea of establishing a unified dermatoscopic terminology in Russian. The specialists concerned use an extremely wide range of terms to describe the dermatoscopic presentation. More than a half of the respondents (58.5 %) reported difficulties in interpreting the dermatoscopic presentation of skin neoplasms described by another specialist. Conclusion. The analysis revealed no unified standards for dermatoscopic terminology in Russian. The development of a standardized terminological system for dermatoscopy in the Russian Federation requires consensus conferences involving the specialists concerned, elaboration of proposed advanced training programs on dermatoscopy as well as relevant methodological recommendations, and their consistent implementation in advanced training programs for doctors of various specialties (within medical universities and postgraduate education system).