A variety of different smartphone apps have recently appeared for downloading, many of which claim they have the ability to diagnose Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
The University of Pittsburgh recently carried out a study in which they tested four apps which work by using photographs of skin lesions to make an assessment and suggest whether the user is in danger. Out of the four apps tested by the University, three relied on automated computer responses and the other sent the photo to a dermatologist for diagnosis.
The researchers found that three of the four apps incorrectly classified 30 per cent or more of melanomas. This is concerning due to the fact that it is possible that users may use these apps as their only source of diagnosis instead of seeing a doctor or dermatologist. The app which relied on the dermatologist was almost right in every instance compared to the 30% of cases which the other three wrongly diagnosed.
Laura Ferris with the University of Pittsburgh stated: "We're not ready to take the physician out of the picture quite yet," Ferris said in a statement. "See your dermatologist, or even your primary care physician, to check for melanoma." This is a sentiment echoed by us at Masscot, if you have any worries about Melanoma and skin cancer then make sure you see a medical professional.
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