Early Detection of Melanoma by Image Analysis

The worldwide incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased dramatically over the past decades. It is well known that a good prognosis of melanoma is only expected for thin lesions. Preventive effort has therefore been concentrated on identification of early lesions facilitated by the introduction and dissemination of standardized clinical criteria and by the use of dermoscopy (epiluminescence microscopy). However, the interpretation of dermoscopic criteria is often confusing especially for the inexperienced observer. This chapter summarizes recent computer techniques to help the clinician in these tasks.