The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma 2 years after the pandemic in two Romanian counties
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted melanoma diagnosis, leading to fewer cases and poorer prognostic factors in Romania. This suggests a lasting effect on skin cancer detection and patient outcomes.
Area Of Science
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread healthcare disruptions globally.
- Melanoma diagnosis and management were negatively affected, impacting patient outcomes.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on melanoma diagnosis.
- To analyze the impact on melanoma prognosis and patient outcomes.
Main Methods
- Retrospective cohort study of histopathologically confirmed melanoma cases (March 2019 - February 2023).
- Comparison of pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods.
- Analysis of patient characteristics, diagnostic rates, and histological features using statistical tests.
Main Results
- Annual melanoma diagnoses decreased by 31.37% and 23.75% in the first and second post-pandemic years.
- Diagnostic rates dropped by 14.9% and 5.4% post-pandemic compared to the pandemic period.
- Prognostic factors worsened post-pandemic, with increased Breslow index, mitotic rate, ulceration, and thicker melanomas.
Conclusions
- The COVID-19 pandemic has a lasting negative impact on melanoma diagnosis in Romania.
- Delayed diagnosis leads to advanced stages and unfavorable prognostic factors.
- Further global research is essential to understand the pandemic's long-term effects on melanoma.
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