The influence of tumor regression, solar elastosis, and patient age on pathologists' interpretation of melanocytic skin lesions.

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 were <30 years of age. Most pathologists

SUBMITTER: Titus L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5280085 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature