Melanoma Diagnosis

Abstract

Burghout KA, Sigurdsson V, Toonstra J. Melanoma: diagnosis. Huisarts Wet 2014;57(9):482-5. Melanoma accounts for about 20[%] of all skin cancers. It is an aggressive cancer and has the tendency to metastasize – melanomas are responsible for about 800 deaths a year. The 5-year survival rate for all melanomas is 81[%] for men and 90[%] for women but worsens dramatically if the cancer has metastasized. The prognosis is mainly determined by the Breslow thickness of the primary tumour, and for this reason it is important to diagnose and treat melanomas in an as early stage as possible. Although there is no reason for population screening for melanoma, certain groups of patients should be screened annually. The clinical diagnosis ‘atypical naevus’ is established with the help of the ABCDE rule (asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, and evolving). The dermascope is suitable only for those general practitioners who are experienced users. If melanoma is suspected, a skin biopsy should be taken, preferably by a dermatologist or surgeon. If melanoma is verified, there is always a need for re-excision with sentinel node biopsy to establish the prognosis.