Melanoma detection in British Columbia, Canada - 21/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.04.031

Ingrid Tyler, MD, MHSc ^a, Jason K. Rivers, MD, FRCPC ^b,^⁎ , Jean A. Shoveller, PhD ^c, Andreas Blum, MD ^d
From the University of Toronto^a; Division of Dermatology,^b and Department of Health Care and Epidemiology,^c University of British Columbia; and Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen.^d Canada

Reprint requests: Jason K. Rivers, MD, FRCPC, Division of Dermatology, 835 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Tuebingen, Germany

Abstract

Background

In several studies, delays in malignant melanoma (MM) diagnosis have been correlated with increased tumor thickness, increased morbidity, and increased mortality.

Objective

We sought to assess how MM is detected in British Columbia, Canada, and to understand the role of patient education and other factors on diagnostic delays.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 176 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed MM.

Results

The total median delay was 4 months. There was no correlation between tumor thickness and delay times. Lesions found incidentally by physicians were less invasive (median Breslow thickness 0.59 vs 1.0 mm, P=.006) than those found by patients. The majority of patients had some knowledge of MM and recognized the importance of early detection. Nearly one fourth of respondents were unaware MM could develop from a melanocytic nevus. In general, MM knowledge did not affect total delay.

Conclusion

Patients in British Columbia, Canada, report relatively short delays in diagnosis of MM. Delays were not correlated with increased tumor thickness or with patient knowledge regarding melanoma before diagnosis.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.