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How do malignant melanomas present and does this correlate with the seven-point check-list?
A W du Vivier1, H C Williams, J V Brett
1Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
The Glasgow seven-point checklist for malignant melanoma diagnosis had limitations, particularly with smaller lesions. Revisions were made to improve its sensitivity in identifying melanoma cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- A pigmented-lesion clinic was established at King's College Hospital during a public education campaign on malignant melanoma.
- Prospective evaluation of 100 malignant melanoma cases was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic usefulness of the Glasgow seven-point checklist for malignant melanoma.
- To identify limitations of the checklist in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 100 malignant melanoma cases.
- Analysis of patient-reported symptoms and lesion characteristics.
- Comparison of checklist criteria with diagnosed melanoma features.
Main Results:
- Most frequent patient observations included lesion growth (74%) and color change (53%).
- 50% of lesions were smaller than 1 cm, and 15% smaller than 0.5 cm, challenging checklist criteria.
- Half of patients scored below three on the checklist; 10 nodular melanoma cases might have been missed.
Conclusions:
- The Glasgow seven-point checklist showed limitations, especially for smaller melanomas and those with less typical symptoms.
- The checklist has been revised to enhance its sensitivity for melanoma diagnosis.