title: Cutaneous melanoma follow-up: appropriateness of requests for ultrasound tests--the S.Gallicano National Referral Centre Experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cutaneous melanoma is a malignant neoplasm with a constantly increasing incidence, the prognosis of which is largely dependent on early diagnosis. The appropriateness of requests for ultrasound (US) tests during melanoma follow-up of patients referred to our institute was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The requests for US tests of all patients referred to our institute over a four-month period were assessed. In order to correctly evaluate the appropriateness of requests, patients were split into two groups on the basis of melanoma thickness: > 1 mm (Group A) and < 1 mm (Group B).
  
  
  RESULTS
  546 patients were enrolled in our study out of a total of 1240 US tests performed. Out of 290 Group A patients, 104 patients (35%) did not meet the established congruity criteria. Group B was composed of 256 individuals, 92 patients (35.9%) of which were found to have at least one inappropriate request.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our study, more than 30% of the requests for US tests were found to be inappropriate, to the detriment of those with a real need for diagnostic testing. This lengthens waiting lists and it may also increase public healthcare costs. Therefore, it is mandatory to adopt new, widely accepted and easily applicable guidelines.
authors.forename: Francesco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Solivetti
authors.forename: Fulvia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Elia
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guerrisi
authors.forename: Flora
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Desiderio
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santaguida
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sperduti
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cavallotti
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Carlo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult; D000096142:Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma