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COVID-19-Induced Reduction in Primary Melanoma Diagnoses: Experience from a Dermatopathology Referral Center

Magdalena Hoellwerth1, Andreas Kaiser2, Michael Emberger3

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|September 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures led to a significant decrease in new melanoma diagnoses in 2020. This reduction was most pronounced during the initial lockdown period, impacting patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic prompted public health and governmental measures impacting healthcare delivery.
  • Assessing collateral damage on patient care in oncological and non-oncological settings is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary melanoma diagnoses.
  • To analyze changes in melanoma diagnosis characteristics during and after the first lockdown in Austria.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of primary melanoma diagnoses.
  • Data collected from an Austrian dermato-pathological referral center.
  • Comparison of diagnoses before, during, and after the March 2020 lockdown.

Main Results:

  • A significant temporary reduction in newly diagnosed melanomas was observed in 2020.
  • The most substantial decrease occurred during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period.
  • Findings confirm suspected adverse effects on melanoma diagnosis rates.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown temporarily reduced melanoma diagnoses.
  • Healthcare disruptions during the pandemic affected early cancer detection.
  • Further research is needed to understand long-term consequences for melanoma patient care.
Keywords:
COVID-19melanomapandemic

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