DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home Teledermatology for suspected skin cancers Diagnostic methods CME
Created 2017.
The dermatoscopic method known as Chaos and Clues was first described by Dr Cliff Rosendahl. It helps the observer to decide if a lesion should be excised.
With certain exceptions, a malignant (or at least, suspicious) pigmented skin lesion can be identified with confidence on dermatoscopy if it has:
PLUS
Chaos is defined as asymmetry of structure/colour and ≥2 patterns.
The 9 clues to malignancy are:
If two of the three features below are present, consider excision.
Total score >2 points indicates lesion is suspicious.
© 2024 DermNet.
DermNet does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.