Avoiding Delayed Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma

We aimed to describe and compare patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM), depending on their initial contact with care and with regard to age, sex, and MM type and thickness, and to explore pathways and time intervals (lead times) between clinics from the initial contact to diagnosis and treatment. The sample from northern Sweden was identified via the Swedish melanoma register. Data regarding pathways in health care were retrieved from patient records. In our unselected population of 71 people diagnosed with skin melanoma of SSM and NM types, 75% of patients were primarily treated by primary health-care centres (PHCs). The time interval (delay) from primary excision until registration of the histopathological assessment in the medical records was significantly longer in PHCs than in hospital-based and dermatological clinics (Derm). Thicker tumors were more common in the PHC group. Older patients waited longer times for wide excision. Most MM are excised rapidly at PHCs, but some patients may not be diagnosed and treated in time. Delay of registration of results from histopathological assessments within PHCs seems to be an important issue for future improvement. Exploring shortcomings in MM patients' clinical pathways is important to improve the quality of care and patient safety.

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“…This implies that physicians do not suspect some of those lesions as MM, and thereby contribute to a delayed diagnosis [24]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, we observed that about 10% of all participants underwent biopsies before primary excision, which is not in line with guidelines [ 3 , 15 ]. This implies that physicians do not suspect some of those lesions as MM, and thereby contribute to a delayed diagnosis [ 24 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health-Care Delay in Malignant Melanoma: Various Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment

Hajdarević

Hörnsten

Sundbom

et al. 2014

Dermatology Research and Practice

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“…There are other common superstitions related to melanoma (not analysed in our study), including prejudice of melanoma inability to grow in body areas not exposed to UV and belief that only people of white skin can suffer from melanoma [37, 38]. As misconceptions about excision of skin lesions and surgical treatment of melanoma are widespread, there is a persistent need for raising awareness through educational campaigns.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Better do not touch” and other superstitions concerning melanoma: the cross-sectional web-based survey

Gajda¹,

Kamińska‐Winciorek²,

Wydmański³

et al. 2016

pdia

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IntroductionTo the authors’ best knowledge, there are no data regarding the prevalence of superstitions concerning melanoma among internet users.AimTo evaluate the prevalence and identify reasons for superstitions associated with excision of pigmented skin lesions as well as to assess the frequency of this procedure.Material and methodsReaders of the scientific portal were invited to complete a fully anonymous e-questionnaire. After collection of questionnaires (5,154) and eliminating incomplete ones, 4,919 surveys were analysed.ResultsA total of 4,104 (83.4%) respondents have been aware that the total surgical excision is the only efficient way of melanoma treatment. This familiarity was related to increased skin cancer awareness but was not linked to regular skin self-examination. Over half of the surveyed agreed that “it is better not to touch naevi”. Moreover, 3,510 (71.3%) individuals believed that naevi located in “harmed places” may turn into melanoma.ConclusionsSuperstitions associated with surgical treatment of melanoma are widespread. Conducting educational campaigns is necessary, particularly among young people, whose dangerous tanning behaviours are important risk factors for melanoma occurrence in their later life.

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“…Although occurring less frequently, lesions developing in such locations are more likely to be diagnosed in more advanced stages (Matzke et al, 2009). Thus, raising the public awareness on this topic appears to be purposeful.…”

Section: Role Of Common Superstitionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do Not Let to Be Late: Overview of Reasons for Melanoma Delayed Diagnosis

Gajda¹,

Kamińska‐Winciorek²

2014

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

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Melanoma of the skin is a malignant tumor, which incidence is still increasing. It was estimated that in the United States one person died from this cause every hour. The major risk factor of this disease is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially associated with the occurrence of sunburns. Patients diagnosed with distant metastases have median survival of 6-9 months. The aim of this paper was to identify the causes of delayed diagnosis of melanoma as diagnosis at an early stage seems to be the key to improve the survival rates. For this purpose, a search of medical databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Cancer Registers was conducted and an analysis of the literature from the years 1979-2013 was conducted.

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Avoiding Delayed Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Health-Care Delay in Malignant Melanoma: Various Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment

Health-Care Delay in Malignant Melanoma: Various Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment

“Better do not touch” and other superstitions concerning melanoma: the cross-sectional web-based survey

Do Not Let to Be Late: Overview of Reasons for Melanoma Delayed Diagnosis

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