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Total skin examination during screening for malignant melanoma does not increase the detection rate
M J De Rooij1, F H Rampen, L J Schouten
1University Hospital Sint Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Total skin examination during melanoma screening is not beneficial. This study found no confirmed malignant melanomas from additional full skin checks, suggesting it’s not worthwhile for early cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Public screening for malignant melanoma is common.
- The efficacy of total skin examination (TSE) in these screenings is not well-established.
- Assessing the added value of TSE beyond examining presented lesions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of total skin examination (TSE) during public screening for malignant melanoma.
- To determine if TSE offers significant benefits over examining only presented skin lesions.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted in southern Limburg, the Netherlands, in 1993.
- 4146 individuals attended screening clinics; 1385 were offered additional TSE.
- 1221 evaluable cases were analyzed for presumptive and confirmed diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Seven presumptive malignant melanomas (low suspicion) and seven basal cell carcinomas were identified during TSE.
- Histological confirmation was obtained for three basal cell carcinomas.
- No malignant melanomas were histologically confirmed from the TSE group.
Conclusions:
- Total skin examination (TSE) during public melanoma screening offers limited diagnostic value.
- TSE is not considered worthwhile except for individuals with suspicious lesions or dysplastic nevi.
- Further research may be needed to refine screening protocols for malignant melanoma.