A review of diagnostic imaging in melanoma.
The incidence of melanoma continues to rise, and is responsible for 50% of deaths related to skin cancer. Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up of patients. Costs have risen dramatically over the last few years, largely due to increased use of newer technologies. This article examines the evidence for the use of radiological imaging in melanoma, in particular, ultrasound, computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), positron emission tomography (PET) and combined CT/PET. Recommendations are made on the basis of comparison of costs of imaging methods.
Dancey
A L
AL
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, City General Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke, England, UK. annedancey@yahoo.co.uk
Mahon
B S
BS
Rayatt
S S
SS
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography