Ostalo
Accuracy of malignant melanoma detection in the community
Doron Klein
; Department of Plastic Surgery Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Zerifin 70300
Melvyn Westreich
; Assaf Harofeh Medical Center
Avshalom Shalom
; Assaf Harofeh Medical Center
Sažetak
Malignant melanoma (MM) has increased profoundly in the past
three-four decades in white populations worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial
for successful treatment. We aimed to assess the accuracy rate of diagnosing
MM in the community by the surgeon and referring physicians. We prospectively
collected data on all patients with preoperatively suspected or histologically
proven MM, treated by a single plastic surgeon, between October
2001 and April 2005. Data were statistically analyzed using Excel software. Of
the 50 patients with histopathologically proven MM, 74% were referred by
dermatologists, 16% by primary caregivers, and 10% came independently or
were under supervision of the operating plastic surgeon. Eighty percent MM
lesions were early-stage, under 1 mm. Forty lesions were diagnosed clinically
as MM by the plastic surgeon prior to surgery. Dermatologists diagnosed MM
in only 30% of cases; the other 70% were referred for removal of suspect lesions.
Dermatologists referred most MM cases. The high number of patients
diagnosed with early stage MM (80%) reflects the efficiency of medical care in
our community. We conclude that the diagnosis of MM in our community is
efficient and derives from the balanced partnership between surgeons, dermatologists,
primary caregivers, and patient awareness.
Ključne riječi
malignant melanoma; diagnosis; detection; community
Hrčak ID:
89115
URI
Datum izdavanja:
14.10.2012.
Posjeta: 852 *