National consensus on dermoscopy

Rationale. Dermoscopy is the gold standard for the non-invasive diagnosis of skin tumors. However, the lack of standardized Russian-language terminology has to date created barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration and reduced the effectiveness of early melanoma detection and patient monitoring. Adapting the dermoscopic terms established by the International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) in 2016 into Russian, followed by expert validation, is a crucial task for ensuring the reproducibility of diagnostic descriptions, improving the system of continuing medical and pharmaceutical education, and enhancing the quality of specialized medical care in the Russian Federation. Objective. To develop and validate a Russian-language version of standardized dermoscopic terminology through expert consensus in order to improve the quality of skin tumor diagnosis and enhance continuing professional education in the Russian Federation. Methods. A consensus vote was performed using the modified Delphi method, involving an expert panel of dermatovenereologists and oncologists who utilize dermoscopy in clinical practice. In this regard, a multidisciplinary collaboration has been established between the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education (RMACPE) and the State Research Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology (SRCDC) on one side, and the Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists (RSDVC), the Association of Oncologists of Russia (AOR), the National Alliance of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists (NADC), and the Russian Melanoma Professional Association (Melanoma.PRO) on the other. A standardized questionnaire was developed for expert evaluation, comprising a translated English term, a schematic representation, a definition, a histopathological correlation, and the clinical significance of each dermoscopic feature. The study was carried out using the modified Delphi method between December 15, 2025, and February 15, 2026. The preliminary stage involved forming a working group to define the scope of consensus, developing statements, and pilot-testing the questionnaire for anonymous expert voting. The questionnaire included 67 dermoscopic terms with adapted translations, schematic images, definitions, histological correlations, and lists of pathologies in which these signs most frequently occur. Statistical analysis involved calculating absolute and relative values, followed by stratification by specialty. Consensus was defined as at least 70% agreement. Inter-rater consistency was assessed using a consensus coefficient, while expert engagement was measured by a proposal index. Alternative terms proposed by the experts underwent a frequency analysis of distinct wording variants. The comments were qualitatively classified into the following categories: linguistic clarifications, clinical remarks, and recommendations for the standardization of dermoscopic terms. Results. The evaluation of standardized dermoscopic terms in Russian was conducted. A total of 67 specialists participated in the vote: 48 dermatovenereologists (71.6%), 16 oncologists (23.9%), and 3 clinicians (4.5%) who indicated dual specialties (dermatovenereology and oncology). The quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on the alternative terms and comments proposed by the expert council members. The expert feedback was categorized into two groups: linguistic and clinical. Statistical analysis revealed a high degree of inter-rater agreement: the consensus coefficient was 0.84 for oncologists and 0.82 for dermatovenereologists. All proposed terms met or exceeded the established consensus threshold of 70%, fully complying with international consensus standards. Thus, the voting process demonstrated that experts successfully reached a consensus on all terms submitted for validation (Tables 1—5). Conclusion. The national consensus on dermoscopy provides a methodological basis for standardizing dermoscopic diagnosis in Russia. Unified terminology ensures consistency in research protocols, increases the reproducibility of findings, and improves interdisciplinary collaboration. The integration of this consensus into the daily clinical practice of interested medical specialists and continuing medical and pharmaceutical education will primarily contribute to reducing diagnostic errors in skin tumors, thereby helping to achieve the national healthcare system goal of increasing life expectancy.