Dermatoscopy as a method for diagnosing skin melanoma: a comparative analysis of dermatoscopes

Purpose of research. Malignant neoplasms of the skin occupy one of the leading places in the structure of oncological morbidity. The diagnostic complexity of this pathology is due to the significant clinical variation of skin manifestations, as well as the insufficient level of dermatological competence among primary care physicians. Low efficiency of primary diagnosis often leads to delayed detection of pathology with unfavorable outcomes for the patient. The most effective method of primary diagnosis of patients is dermatoscopy, which requires specialized technical means – dermatoscopes. The purpose of the study was to select the technical characteristics of a dermatoscope of our own production, which has a low cost compared to foreign analogues. The purpose of the research is malignant neoplasms of the skin occupy one of the leading places in the structure of oncological morbidity. The diagnostic complexity of this pathology is due to the significant clinical variation of skin manifestations, as well as the insufficient level of dermatological competence among primary care physicians. Low efficiency of primary diagnosis often leads to delayed detection of pathology with unfavorable outcomes for the patient. The most effective method of primary diagnosis of patients is dermatoscopy, which requires specialized technical means – dermatoscopes. The purpose of the study was to select the technical characteristics of a dermatoscope of our own production, which has a low cost compared to foreign analogues. Methods. The process of detecting skin neoplasms has been investigated. A comparative analysis of the technical characteristics of modern dermatoscopes has been performed, their advantages and disadvantages have been reflected, and requirements and characteristics for the layout of a dermatoscope produced in Russia by Melanoscope have been formed. Results. A comparative analysis of the technical characteristics and diagnostic capabilities of 13 dermatoscopes from global manufacturers Heine, DermLite, Medeq, PhotoFinder System, 3Gen, Kawe, Lichtvertrieb GmbN, Iboolo, Canfield has been performed. Conclusion. In the course of the conducted research, the technical characteristics of the dermatoscope of our own production "Melanoscope" were determined. The development of a domestic dermatoscope will reduce the dependence of dermatology on skin research from foreign analysis devices, while increasing the effectiveness of the procedure itself and reducing the cost of the device. The Melanoscope dermatoscope has technical characteristics at the level of manufacturers Heine, DermLite, and in terms of cost it belongs to the "economical price segment" (up to $ 700)