Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2017

Publication Title

Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology

Keywords

Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Pathologists; Pathology, Clinical; Skin; Skin Aging; Skin Neoplasms; United States

Abstract

It is not known whether patient age or tumor characteristics such as tumor regression or solar elastosis influence pathologists' interpretation of melanocytic skin lesions (MSLs). We undertook a study to determine the influence of these factors, and to explore pathologist's characteristics associated with the direction of diagnosis. To meet our objective, we designed a cross-sectional survey study of pathologists' clinical practices and perceptions. Pathologists were recruited from diverse practices in 10 states in the United States. We enrolled 207 pathologist participants whose practice included the interpretation of MSLs. Our findings indicated that the majority of pathologists (54.6%) were influenced toward a less severe diagnosis when patients were70 years of age, or by the presence of tumor regression or solar elastosis (58.5%, 71.0%, and 57.0%, respectively). Generally, pathologists with dermatopathology board certification and/or a high caseload of MSLs were more likely to be influenced, whereas those with more years' experience interpreting MSL were less likely to be influenced. Our findings indicate that the interpretation of MSLs is influenced by patient age, tumor regression, and solar elastosis; such influence is associated with dermatopathology training and higher caseload, consistent with expertise and an appreciation of lesion complexity.

Clinical Institute

Cancer

Department

Oncology

Department

Dermatology

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