Diagnostic accuracy of basal cell carcinoma in dermatology setting in Serbia - single center study
Background/Aim. Growing incidence of skin tumors require their accurate diagnosis. Dermoscopy, especially in-vivo, enhances diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Total body skin examination (TBSE), a visual inspection of the patient?s total body surface, is considered basic step in dermatological exam, especially in skin cancer screening. However, TBSE is still a matter of debate of its expediency in real clinical setting. Aim of this study is to analyze diagnostic accuracy of BCC detected and treated by referred dermatologists in Skin Cancer Unit of a Dermatology and Venereology Clinic. Methods. Retrospective analysis of the BCC detection during total body skin examination with visual inspection and dermoscopy. We calculated sensitivity and specificity and positive predictive value for BCC using histopathological results as correct diagnosis. Results. Out of 3346 biopsied skin tumors 49.58% were malignant and 50.42% benign. The most common malignant tumor was BCC, accounting for 84.09%. Localization of BCCs was mainly on the trunk 38.92% and on H-zone of the face 37.63%. Other localizations were face (non-H-zone) 6.67%, neck 3.01%, scalp 3.37%, arms 6.88% and limbs 3.51%. Of all BCCs, 0.83% were recurrent BCC. The sensitivity for diagnosis BCC was 97.71%, and positive predictive value 95.08%. Conclusion. In dermatology setting, total body skin examination (TBSE) and visual inspection with in-vivo dermoscopy results with very good diagnostic performance of BCC.