title: Improving the early detection of malignant melanoma.
abstract: The early detection of cutaneous melanoma is known to be associated with reduced mortality. In order to improve early detection of suspicious skin lesions a Pigmented Lesion Clinic (PLC) was set up at Mount Vernon Hospital in January 1993. Its aims were to provide a rapid method of expert assessment and treatment for malignant skin tumours as well as reassurance for patients with benign lesions. In the first 2 years, 1779 new patients were seen and 674 lesions excised, of which 18% were malignant. Comparison of the Breslow thicknesses of melanomas diagnosed via the PLC revealed a significant shift towards thinner early tumours when compared with the two previous years (chi 2 = 12.8, P < 0.01) and during the same time period via normal routes of referral (chi 2 = 8.68, P < 0.02). The running of such a service and its hidden benefits are discussed.
authors.affiliation: RAFT Institute of Plastic Surgery, Northwood, Middlesex.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grover
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKelvie
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors