False-negative findings in skin cancer and melanoma screening.
BACKGROUND
Few data are available on the accuracy of visual skin examination by dermatologists as a skin cancer and melanoma screening tool.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the number of false-negative findings in a skin cancer-melanoma screening program.


METHODS
We obtained follow-up information regarding 1551 persons with a negative screening result in a skin cancer-melanoma screening program in 1990. Follow-up was established by record linkage with two different population-based registries.


RESULTS
Fifteen persons had new skin cancers. Three of their lesions had been present at the original screening and had probably been missed; 12 were genuinely new. No melanomas were among the missed cases. The calculated sensitivity of the screening was 93.3%, its specificity was 97.8%, its positive predictive value was 54.0%, and its negative predictive value was 99.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
Visual examination by dermatologists as a screening tool for skin cancer and melanoma is appropriate.
Rampen
F H
FH
Department of Dermatology, Sint Anna Hospital, Oss, The Netherlands.
Casparie-van Velsen
J I
JI
van Huystee
B E
BE
Kiemeney
L A
LA
Schouten
L J
LJ
D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*