Affiliations: Department of Biomedical Technology, University of
Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands | Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, P.O. Box
16084, 2301 GB Leiden, The Netherlands | Medical Center Buitenveldert, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. L.P. Kok Professor of
Theoretical Biomedical Technology Department of Biomedical Technology
University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
L.P.Kok@phys.rug.nl http://www-th.phys.rug.nl/~lpkok
Abstract: This paper describes a pilot study in Dutch teledermopathology.
Three general practitioners (GPs) were provided with a digital camera by their
pathologist at the Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory (LCPL). Following a
protocol, they documented the skin lesions of 122 patients before taking
biopsies. The digital images were sent by e-mail to the LCPL. The biopsies were
sent by conventional mail to the LCPL, and handled according to routine
procedures. All images proved informative for the pathologist. The GPs
prediction/expectation of malignancy was compared with the outcome of
histology. Nonconcurring diagnoses were analyzed. Among the most common
diagnoses, the benign lesion verruca proved difficult for the GPs, whereas
basal cell carcinoma proved relatively easy. The documentation of the clinical
presentation of skin lesions proved simple and highly successful. In case of
referral to hospitals and treatment by specialists comprehensive electronic
reports were available and helpful in patient management. The omnipresence of
the internet plays an important role in this project. The pilot study revealed
positive added value of the digitized images.
Keywords: telepathology, dermatopathology, general practice, internet, digital camera
