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Teledermatology for Skin Cancer: The Australian Experience

  • Skin Cancer (E Tongdee and O Markowitz, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to understand how Australia compares internationally in the practice of teledermatology for the diagnosis and management of skin cancer, and in the process, ascertain the robustness of the evidence for teledermatology, as well as identify its limitations and current difficulties for its adoption in Australia.

Recent Findings

Diagnostic and treatment concordance, time to detection and action, as well as expected cost in Australia were comparable with international studies. Earlier detection of skin cancer and convenience such as reduced travel are main reasons supportive of teledermatology. Potential limitations of teledermatology are seen in high-risk melanoma patients, the older population, and those with multiple co-morbidities requiring reviews by various specialties. Image documentation and storage on personal devices are ongoing issues despite existing guidelines.

Summary

Australia remains a pioneer in the research of teledermatology, while collaborating with international groups to advocate quality research and its practical use, with a focus on patient-led mobile teledermoscopy.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Sydney and affiliated to the Melanoma Institute of Australia, Sydney, Australia

    A. Martin

  2. Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) and the Dermatology Department at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), Sydney, Australia

    P. Guitera

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Martin, A., Guitera, P. Teledermatology for Skin Cancer: The Australian Experience. Curr Derm Rep 9, 43–51 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-020-00291-5

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