Cutaneous melanoma follow-up: appropriateness of requests for ultrasound tests – the S.Gallicano National Referral Centre Experience

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research

Aldo Di Carlo³  Claudia Cavallotti⁵  Isabella Sperduti²  Maria Giulia Santaguida⁴  Flora Desiderio¹  Antonino Guerrisi¹  Fulvia Elia¹  Francesco M Solivetti¹ 

[1] Radiology Department, San Gallicano Dermatology Institute, Via Chianesi, 53-00144 Rome, Italy;Biostatistical Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy;San Gallicano Dermatology Institute, Rome, Italy;Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, La Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy;Clinical Department, San Gallicano Dermatology Institute, Rome, Italy

关键词: Ultrasound test appropriateness;    Defensive medicine;    Cutaneous melanoma;   

Others  :  815082
DOI  :  10.1186/1756-9966-32-73

 received in 2013-08-27, accepted in 2013-09-25,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

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.

Patients and 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.

Conclusion

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.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Solivetti et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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