Where TADA applies — and where it doesn't

Now that you understand the framework, it's important to know its boundaries. TADA was developed for specific anatomical sites and lesion types. Using it outside these boundaries reduces its reliability.

Where TADA works well

TADA applies to lesions on the trunk (back, chest, abdomen), extremities (arms and legs, excluding palms and soles), scalp, and face (with awareness that pseudonetwork patterns on the face differ from trunk patterns).

These are the sites where the dermoscopic features TADA assesses — pigment network, structural organisation, the seven high-risk features — are reliably present and interpretable.

Where TADA does not reliably apply

Acral skin (palms and soles) — These sites have entirely different dermoscopic patterns. The parallel furrow and ridge patterns of acral skin require specific acral algorithms. TADA's network-based criteria don't translate.

Nail unit — Nail dermoscopy (onychoscopy) follows different rules. Longitudinal melanonychia assessment requires specific expertise beyond TADA's scope.

Mucosal surfaces — Lips, genital mucosa, and conjunctivae have unique patterns not addressed by TADA.

The key limitation

TADA optimises for sensitivity over specificity in detecting melanoma and common skin cancers on typical body sites. It will flag some benign lesions for further evaluation — and that's acceptable. But it may miss lesions that fall outside its design parameters: acral, mucosal, amelanotic, and rare types.