Teledermatology in cutaneous tumors: diagnostic accuracy, influencing factors, and the role of dermatoscopy

Abstract

Introduction: Teledermatology, which utilizes communication technologies to remotely assess skin lesions, has become a vital tool in healthcare. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of teledermatology versus face-to-face examination and explore factors influencing accuracy, such as teledermatoscopy use, dermatoscopy type, and clinical experience. Methods: Fifty-seven cutaneous tumors were evaluated using handheld or digital dermatoscopy in face-to-face examinations, and preliminary diagnoses were recorded. A definitive diagnosis was established through histopathological examination, which served as the reference standard. Macro and dermatoscopic images were then sent to six teledermatologists for remote diagnosis, and findings were analyzed statistically. Results: The preliminary diagnosis matched the histopathological diagnosis in 84.2% of face-to-face cases. Teledermatologists achieved 63.7% accuracy with macro images alone, increasing to 70.8% with dermatoscopic images. Teledermatology showed lower accuracy than face-to-face examination, regardless of whether teledermatoscopy was used (p 0.05). Dermatoscopy type did not significantly impact accuracy (p > 0.05), while longer clinical experience correlated with higher accuracy (p < 0.05). Interrater reliability was poor for specific diagnoses but improved when categorizing lesions as malignant or benign (κ = 0.192, κ = 0.683). Conclusion: Although teledermatology performed below face-to-face examination in terms of specific diagnoses, it remained effective in distinguishing between benign and malignant cutaneous tumors. The inclusion of teledermatoscopy and longer clinical experience enhanced diagnostic accuracy.