Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
[Utilization and diagnostic yield of the Fast-Track Referral Pathway for suspected melanoma: a six-year analysis]
V Alonso-Chornet1, M Armengot-Carbó2
1Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, España.
Introduction:
To expedite the assessment of suspected melanoma, a Fast Track Referral Pathway (FTRP) was implemented in the Health Departments of the Valencian Community. However, no studies have been published in Spain evaluating fast-track pathways for melanoma.
Objective:
To describe referral patterns and waiting times within the FTRP for melanoma in the Castellón Health Department during its first six years of operation.
Material And Methods:
Cross-sectional descriptive observational study of patients referred through the FTRP between November 2017 and November 2023. Referral characteristics and waiting times were analyzed, and diagnostic accuracy in Primary Care and the pathway's diagnostic yield were evaluated.
Results:
A total of 418 patients were analyzed. Only 38.6% of referrals were prompted by suspicion of melanoma, while referrals for suspected non-melanoma skin cancer were more frequent. The diagnostic accuracy of Primary Care for melanoma was 15.6%, and 56% of lesions referred as suspected melanoma were non-melanocytic. The overall diagnostic yield for melanoma was 7.1%. However, 98.6% of patients were seen within the maximum recommended period of 15days.
Conclusions:
The FTRP showed a deviation from its intended purpose, and its low diagnostic yield for melanoma highlights both diagnostic challenges in Primary Care and limitations in the pathway's design. There is an urgent need to enhance dermoscopy training among Primary Care physicians and revise referral criteria to improve early melanoma detection and optimize healthcare resource allocation.
