The aim of this study was to review and compare melanomas referred by general practitioners and melanomas identified at specialist clinics. The medical records relating to 113 primary melanomas excised at Waikato Hospital (a specialist regional base hospital) during 2002 and 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Forty-seven melanomas (41%) were detected when patients attended specialist clinics (mainly plastic surgery and dermatology), and 66 melanomas (59%) were specifically referred by general practitioners. The melanomas detected at specialist clinics had a lower mean Breslow thickness than those referred by general practitioners (0.57 mm compared with 1.45 mm). Patients referred by general practitioners waited a mean of 26.5 days (range 0–94 days) for first specialist assessment. Following specialist assessment, patients waited a mean of 24.2 days (0–81 days) before excision biopsy.

REFERENCES

1 Health Statistics, New Zealand Health Information Service. Cancer Registrations and Deaths 2001. 2006. Available from URL: http://www.nzhis.govt.nz. (Accessed 4 Apr 2006.)
Google Scholar
2 Statistics New Zealand. Ethnic Population Projections: Issues and Trends – Article. 2004. Available from URL: http://www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/Articles/pop-proj-Jun04.htm. (Accessed 2 Jul 2006.)
Google Scholar
3 Lindholm C, Andersson R, Dufmats M, Hansson J, Ingvar C, Moller T, Sjodin H, Stierner U, Wagenius G, Swedish Melanoma Study Group. Invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma in Sweden, 1990–1999. A prospective, population-based study of survival and prognostic factors. Cancer 2004; 101: 2067–78.
10.1002/cncr.20602
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
4 Epstein DS, Lange JR, Gruber SB, Mofid M, Koch SE. Is physician detection associated with thinner melanomas? JAMA 1999; 281: 640–3.
10.1001/jama.281.7.640
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
5 Tyler I, Rivers J, Shoveller J, Blum A. Melanoma detection in British Columbia, Canada. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2005; 52: 48–54.
10.1016/j.jaad.2004.04.031
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
6 McPherson M, Elwood M, English DR, Baade PD, Youl PH, Aitken JF. Presentation and detection of invasive melanoma in a high-risk population. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2006; 54: 783–92.
10.1016/j.jaad.2005.08.065
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
7 Clark W. A classification of malignant melanoma in man correlated with histogenesis and biologic behaviour. In: W Montagna, F Hu (eds). Advances in Biology of Skin. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1967; 621–47.
Google Scholar
8 Johnson T, Dolan O, Hamilton T, Lu M, Swanson N, Lowe L. Clinical and histologic trends of melanoma. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 1998; 38: 681–6.
10.1016/S0190-9622(98)70196-3
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
9 Jones W, Harman R, Ng A, Shaw J. Incidence of malignant melanoma in Auckland, New Zealand: highest rates in the world. World J. Surg. 1999; 23: 732–5.
10.1007/PL00012378
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
10 Rhodes AR. Public education and cancer of the skin. What do people need to know about melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer? Cancer 1995; 75 (Suppl. 2): 613–36.
10.1002/1097-0142(19950115)75:2+<613::AID-CNCR2820751403>3.0.CO;2-G
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
11 Ernstoff MS. Melanoma. Screening and education. Clin. Plast. Surg. 2000; 27: 317–22.
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
12 Guidelines, Elective Services, New Zealand Ministry of Health. Dermatology National Referral Guidelines. 2000. Available from URL: http://www.electiveservices.govt.nz/pdfs/Dermatology-Referral.pdf. (Accessed 10 Aug 2005.)
Google Scholar
13 Temoshok L, DiClemente RJ, Sweet DM, Blois MS, Sagebiel RW. Factors related to patient delay in seeking medical attention for cutaneous malignant melanoma. Cancer 1984; 54: 3048–53.
10.1002/1097-0142(19841215)54:12<3048::AID-CNCR2820541239>3.0.CO;2-M
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
14 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Cancer Service Guidance: Improving Outcomes for People with Skin Tumours including Melanoma, Second Consultation – The Manual, pp. 33–34. 2005. Available from URL: http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/skin_tumours_2ndcons_fullguidance.pdf. (Accessed 18 Dec 2005.)
Google Scholar

Citing Literature

Volume48, Issue1

February 2007

Pages 14-17

Retrospective review of primary melanomas excised at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand, 2002–2003

SUMMARY

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

About Wiley Online Library

Help & Support

Opportunities

Connect with Wiley

Retrospective review of primary melanomas excised at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand, 2002–2003

SUMMARY

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information