Patient’s and Doctor’s Delay in Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Melanoma of the Skin

Delays in diagnosis and melanoma prognosis (II): The role of doctors

“…The distribution of other tumor characteristics (color, ulceration, histological regression, histological remnant of a pre-existing nevus) was not significantly different between doctor-detected and self-detected melanomas. DISCUSSION A few studies have focused on medical delays in melanoma diagnosis (Krige et al, 1991;Cassileth et al, 1988;Rampen et al, 1989;Temoshok et al, 1984). However, our prospective study, performed in a large sample of melanomas, assessed separately different components of these delays.…”

“…It is thus crucial to assess the medical intervention in primary melanoma and to identify all possible problems that could be corrected by training and information. However, little is known about the responsibility of doctors in the delays before melanoma resection (Temoshok et al, 1984;Cassileth et al, 1988;Rampen et al, 1989;Krige et al, 1991).…”

Delay in the diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma. A prospective study in 250 patients

“…The major component of delay (9.8 months) was patient related. Seventy-nine (31.6%) patients waited more than 6 months before seeking medical attention. Few patients recognized early melanoma, and 46% responded only to late features (i.e., ulceration or bleeding).…”

Effect of Health Care Delivery Models on Melanoma Thickness and Stage in a University-Based Referral Center

“…10,12,13,17,23,34,35 However, increased patient knowledge and awareness of cutaneous melanoma has been associated with reduction in delay time to seek medical attention 36 and with thinner lesions at diagnosis. 10,12,13,37 The effect of medical delay on melanoma stage or prognosis has been less controversial, with most studies (including ours) suggesting that physician delay has little or no effect on melanoma thickness or outcome. 11,13,17,18,23,37 In a prospective multicenter study in France of 590 patients with melanoma, 11 physician responsibility accounted for only a small part of the total delay before melanoma removal.…”

“…10,12,13,37 The effect of medical delay on melanoma stage or prognosis has been less controversial, with most studies (including ours) suggesting that physician delay has little or no effect on melanoma thickness or outcome. 11,13,17,18,23,37 In a prospective multicenter study in France of 590 patients with melanoma, 11 physician responsibility accounted for only a small part of the total delay before melanoma removal. However, shorter medical delays were apparent in patients who visited a dermatologist rather than a general practitioner.…”