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Distinguishing choroidal nevi from melanomas using the MOLES algorithm: Evaluation in an ocular nevus clinic

Al Harby, L; Sagoo, MS; O'Day, R; Hay, G; Arora, AK; Keane, PA; Cohen, VML; (2021) Distinguishing choroidal nevi from melanomas using the MOLES algorithm: Evaluation in an ocular nevus clinic. Ocular Oncology and Pathology 10.1159/000511363. Green open access

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the MOLES scoring system in differentiating choroidal melanomas from nevi according to Mushroom shape, Orange pigment, Large tumor size, Enlarging tumor, and Subretinal fluid (SRF). METHODS: Color photographs, fundus-autofluorescence images, and optical coherence tomography of 222 melanocytic choroidal tumors were reviewed. Each MOLES feature was retrospectively scored between 0 and 2 and tumors categorized as "common nevus,""low-risk nevus,""high-risk nevus,"and "probable melanoma"according to the total score. MOLES scores were compared with the experts' diagnosis of melanoma. RESULTS: The MOLES scoring system indicated melanoma in all 81 tumors diagnosed as such by ocular oncologists (100% sensitivity) and nevus in 135 of 141 tumors given this diagnosis by these experts (95.7% specificity). Of the 6 tumors with discordant diagnoses, 4 had basal diameters exceeding 6 mm, all with SRF and/or orange pigment, and 2 small tumors showed either significant SRF with traces of orange pigment, or vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: The MOLES system for diagnosing melanocytic choroidal tumors compares well with expert diagnosis but needs to be evaluated when deployed by ophthalmologists and community optometrists in a wide variety of working environments.

Type: Article
Title: Distinguishing choroidal nevi from melanomas using the MOLES algorithm: Evaluation in an ocular nevus clinic
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1159/000511363
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1159/000511363
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Choroidal tumor, Melanoma, Choroidal nevus, Ophthalmic oncology, Choroidal moles
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Institute of Ophthalmology
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10127793
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