Introduction

A framework for systematic observation — not a replacement for clinical judgement.

This is the module where everything comes together.

Over the last six modules, you've built a substantial foundation. You've learned how to perceive dermoscopic structures in three dimensions. You've developed a mental library of normal skin appearances across sites, phototypes, and ages. You've studied benign patterns — seborrhoeic keratosis, cherry angioma, dermatofibroma — until their features became familiar. And you've learned to recognise the concerning features that should raise suspicion.

Now you need a way to use all of that knowledge in a structured, repeatable way. That's what TADA provides.

What you will learn

1. How the TADA algorithm organises dermoscopic observation into three clear steps
2. What happens at each decision point — and what the outcomes mean
3. How to recognise each of the seven high-risk features in Step 3
4. How safety rules work alongside the algorithm
5. How to apply TADA to different lesion scenarios

What TADA is

TADA is a teaching framework that organises dermoscopic observation into a logical sequence. It was developed to help non-specialist clinicians approach skin lesions systematically, reducing the chance of missed malignancies while avoiding unnecessary referrals of clearly benign lesions.

The framework reflects how expert dermoscopists actually think. They don't analyse every feature of every lesion in exhaustive detail. Instead, they use efficient mental shortcuts:

1. Can I recognise this as something clearly benign?
2. If not, does it show organised or disorganised structure?
3. If disorganised, are specific high-risk features present?

TADA formalises this intuitive process into teachable steps.

What TADA is not

TADA is not a diagnostic algorithm. It doesn't tell you what a lesion is — it helps you decide what to do about it.

TADA is not a substitute for clinical context. Patient history, lesion evolution, symptoms, and risk factors all matter. The algorithm addresses dermoscopic observation, not the complete clinical picture. That's why the Clinical Context module exists as a companion to this one.

TADA is not infallible. No algorithm catches everything. TADA is designed to be sensitive — it minimises missed malignancies — at the cost of some specificity, meaning some benign lesions will be flagged for further evaluation. This is the appropriate trade-off for screening.