Histologic evaluation of pigmented lesions in Connecticut and its influence on the reporting of melanoma.
BACKGROUND
Underreporting of melanoma to state tumor registries has been identified as a problem in gathering accurate statistics on melanoma incidence.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to examine two factors that could influence the reporting of melanoma to the Connecticut Tumor Registry: histologic diagnosis of melanoma in the private offices of dermatologists and histologic diagnosis of melanoma in out-of-state laboratories.


METHODS
From December 1990 to April 1991, questionnaires were sent to all known practicing dermatologists in the state of Connecticut (N = 149). Of the 127 dermatologists who were eligible, 124 (97.6%) completed the survey.


RESULTS
The estimated number of melanomas diagnosed in private offices during 1990 was 9 to 18; this was based on the number of dermatologists who officially read their own slides (n = 19), the estimated number of melanomas diagnosed by these 19 dermatologists (n = 91), and the percentage of melanomas and uncertain pigmented lesion cases sent for consultation (80% to 90%). According to the estimates of Connecticut dermatologists, out-of-state laboratories diagnosed 84 of 523 melanomas (16%) in Connecticut residents.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of melanoma in private offices did not appear to be a significant factor in underreporting whereas the diagnosis of melanoma in out-of-state laboratories did appear to be more significant. However, the possibility exists that some of these latter melanomas would eventually be reported at the time of reexcision.
Bolognia
J L
JL
Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Headley
A
A
Fine
J
J
Berwick
M
M
D001706:Biopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003237:Connecticut; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012042:Registries; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States