A significant reduction in the diagnosis of melanoma during the COVID‐19 lockdown in a third‐level center in the Northern Italy

Abstract

The human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic changed the usual care practice worldwide with the necessity to reorganize and postpone the majority of elective most planned medical and surgical activities. 1 Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer. The incidence of melanoma is climbing steadily and peaks at the seventh and eighth decades of life. 2 Old patients, with chronic comorbidities, belong to the same population with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. 3 The lockdown period in Northern Italy, from 22 February to 3 May, witnessed a drastic reduction in the number of accesses in the Dermatology Department for evaluation of skin cancer screening. 4 The Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo is a tertiary center and teaching hospital in Northern Italy and became a national SARS-CoV-2 referral center. During the lockdown period, many dermatologists were enrolled in coronavirus disease (COVID) departments and

The reduction in the detection of melanoma during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a melanoma center of South Italy

“…Disease stage, corresponding to primary tumor thickness, represents the most important prognosis factor; therefore, an early diagnosis is essential for melanoma patients' survival rates (3). The reduction in the number of accesses in dermatological departments during the lockdown caused a reduction in new diagnosis of melanoma and may also lead to undetected or late detection of skin cancers increasing morbidity and mortality in the worldwide population (1,4). Finally, following the reduction of consultations for skin cancer screening during the pandemic period the implementation of screening campaigns and people information in order to increase the awareness of this public health problem should be considered (5).…”

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Delayed Skin Cancer Services

“…Patient compliance towards scheduled but deferable visits also reportedly contributed to these totals 5 . For skin cancer, the total number of lesions diagnosed and treated during lockdown periods decreased, with clinical priority given to tumors with high-risk histopathological features 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 . To date, we could not find any studies reporting outcomes for skin cancer patients affected by COVID-19.…”

“…Several clinical observations suggest that COVID-19 lockdown periods have caused disruptions in skin cancer care. There has been a substantial decrease in the number of skin cancers diagnosed 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 43 , 44 , and treated 8 , 9 , 45 during lockdown ( Table 2 ). In the United Kingdom (U.K.), a prospective cohort study of 2050 patients found a 27‐47% weekly decrease in the number of NMSC treated during their COVID-19 lockdown period (16 th of March-14 th of June 2020) 8 .…”

“…At the time of this review, no studies were found reporting long-term patient outcomes due to surgical treatment delay. Paper Study Characteristics Key Findings Barruscotti 2020 6 Retrospective review of all surgical excisions performed in the Dermatological Surgery Room at Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo from 22 February 2020 and 3 May 2020 (n=163). Melanoma diagnoses in the 2020 lockdown period was reduced 60% from previous years: (prevalence: 3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1‐8).…”

COVID‐19 and melanoma surgery in a dermo‐oncology centre in Italy

“…COVID-19 and melanoma surgery in a dermooncology centre in Italy doi: 10.1111/ced.14675 Dear Editor, We have read with great interest the scientific literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. [1][2][3][4][5] The resulting cancellation of routine dermatological visits could lead to the risk of neglecting cutaneous melanoma (CM), with potential consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality, 1,2 even though the specific impact of the pandemic on CM has yet to be estimated.…”