The diagnostic evaluation of MelaFind multi-spectral objective computer vision system.

Introduction: Over 75,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanoma in 2012. The incidence of melanoma continues to increase over time and early detection is currently the most promising strategy to decrease melanoma-related morbidity and mortality. Currently, most physicians perform skin cancer screenings with the unaided eye. However, the FDA recently approved, MelaFind, a multispectral objective computer vision system to assist dermatologists in making more accurate biopsy decisions to facilitate early melanoma diagnosis.

Areas covered: This review covers the sensitivity and specificity, limitations and clinical role of MelaFind and other devices available or under development to aid in the detection of melanoma.

Expert opinion: Physician screening with the aid of MelaFind device may improve detection of early melanoma and potentially reduce melanoma morbidity and mortality, if used widely. The strength of MelaFind is its high sensitivity, acceptable specificity, ease of use and objective output. Thus it has potential to improve biopsy decisions made by both dermatologists and less experienced clinicians. Currently, the use of MelaFind is not reimbursed by insurance and the cost, which is paid directly by the patient, will likely limit its use.