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Melanoma in situ: a case report from the patient's perspective
Craig A Bauman1,2, Peter Emary3, Tyler Damen4
1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Introduction:
Melanoma can be a fatal form of skin cancer. The prognosis rapidly deteriorates from the in situ stage (stage 0) to stage 4. As such, early detection and treatment are key.
Case Presentation:
A middle-aged patient, who was also a chiropractor, self-identified a small skin lesion using the Chiropractors Guide to Skin Cancer. The primary care physician made a dermatology referral, and biopsy identified melanoma. Surgery was subsequently booked and the lesion was excised with a 5 mm margin. The final pathology report confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in situ.
Summary:
As primary contact health care providers chiropractors can play a significant role in the potential identification and initiation of investigations into various possible dermatological disorders including skin cancer. Efforts should be made to diagnose melanoma at the in situ stage to ensure the best outcome.