Dermatogerontology Training Curriculum

Why this course

Needs & context

Skin cancer in elderly populations is a growing public-health concern, with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma disproportionately affecting adults over 65. Non-dermatologist clinicians are often the first point of contact and benefit from structured training in clinical recognition, dermoscopy fundamentals and evidence-based screening.

Learning objectives

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Identify epidemiological risk factors for skin cancer in the elderly and apply stratification criteria.
• Differentiate benign, pre-malignant and malignant lesions using morphological criteria and dermoscopic patterns.
• Apply the standardized screening protocol in institutional and community settings.
• Interpret dermoscopic images and standardized photographic documentation (online module).
• Select referral criteria and communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams and elderly patients.
• Evaluate individual and institutional performance using the protocol's indicators.

Topics covered

• Module I — Foundations: epidemiology, risk factors and stratification; particularities of aging skin; premalignant lesions
• Module II — Clinical Recognition: semiology; morphologic criteria of suspicion; BCC, SCC and melanoma — typical and atypical presentations; diagnostic pitfalls
• Module III — Applied Dermoscopy (online): foundations of dermoscopic examination; patterns of benignity and suspicion; image-based review and standardized photographic documentation
• Module IV — Protocol & Communication: applying the screening protocol; referral criteria; preventive communication; behavioral barriers; recording and indicators
• Per-module online post-assessment (10 questions each, 70% to complete) and participant evaluation

References

1. Siegel RL, Miller KD, Fuchs HE, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2022. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72(1):7-33.
2. Argenziano G, Soyer HP, Chimenti S, et al. Dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions: consensus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;48(5):679-693.
3. Kittler H, Pehamberger H, Wolff K, Binder M. Diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy. Lancet Oncol. 2002;3(3):159-165.
4. Menzies SW, Emery J, Staples M, et al. Impact of dermoscopy and short-term sequential digital dermoscopy imaging in primary care. Br J Dermatol. 2009;161(6):1270-1277.
5. Vestergaard ME, Macaskill P, Holt PE, Menzies SW. Dermoscopy compared with naked-eye examination for melanoma. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(3):669-676.