Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Overdiagnosis of Melanoma In Situ
Maria Elisabetta Greco1, Antonio Di Guardo1,2, Annunziata Dattola1
1Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", 00185 Rome, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Melanoma in situ (MIS) overdiagnosis is rising due to increased screening and diagnostic variability. Many detected cases are indolent, leading to unnecessary costs and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Melanoma in situ (MIS) incidence is rising globally, outpacing invasive melanoma rates.
- This trend raises concerns about overdiagnosis, identifying indolent disease unlikely to cause harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on melanoma in situ overdiagnosis.
- Focus areas include epidemiology, screening, pathology, quantitative estimates, and clinical impact.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review with systematic search elements was performed.
- PubMed database searched for studies from January 2017 to March 2026.
- Studies selected based on relevance to MIS overdiagnosis, incidence, screening, and diagnostic variability.
Main Results:
- Increased melanoma incidence is primarily due to MIS and thin invasive lesions.
- Screening detects more low-risk lesions; diagnostic variability contributes to overdiagnosis.
- Quantitative estimates suggest overdiagnosis rates for MIS may exceed 60-80% in some populations, incurring significant costs.
Conclusions:
- Overdiagnosis of MIS is a significant, multifactorial issue.
- MIS is a heterogeneous condition requiring improved diagnostic precision and risk stratification.
- Future strategies should aim to minimize harm from unnecessary diagnoses and treatments.
