Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US and causes significant and preventable morbidity.  Dermoscopy is the use of a handheld device to evaluate the deeper structures and patterns of skin lesions. Its use improves the accuracy of skin cancer detection and decreases the unnecessary biopsy of benign lesions. Dermoscopy helps triage concerning lesions to a biopsy, which differentiates a lesion and facilitates efficient treatment or appropriate referral. It is an excellent tool for the family physician, but studies show that few use it in practice. Data from the 2021 CERA survey of family medicine (FM) residency program directors also show that despite the AAFP recommending that FM residencies teach dermoscopy., 84% of FM residencies provide 3 or fewer total hours of hands-on dermoscopy training.
 
The Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm (TADA) helps clinicians use dermoscopy to decide whether to biopsy a suspicious skin lesion. If a lesion needs to be biopsied, saucerization is the preferred method and can be done in the same visit. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use a dermatoscope and apply TADA to evaluate concerning skin lesions. They will also learn the basic dermoscopic structures seen in skin cancers and practice saucerizations. Participants will come away with learning resources and a next step for expanding their scope of practice to include the use of dermoscopy.