Study suggests potential overdiagnosis of melanoma
Image credit: angelicaecheverry via Unsplash
A recent study published in the scientific journal Dermatology Practical & Conceptual suggests that more than half of the melanoma diagnoses among White Americans could be unnecessary. The research indicates that many detected skin lesions are being overly diagnosed as malignant when they are actually benign. This overdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments and increased healthcare costs, as well as unnecessary anxiety for patients. The findings highlight the need for improved diagnostic criteria and reassessing the management and communications of early-stage melanomas to patients.
Source
Betz-Stablein B, Soyer HP. Overdiagnosis in Melanoma Screening: Is It a Real Problem? Dermatol Pract Concept. 2023 Oct 1;13(4):e2023247. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1304a247. PMID: 37992381; PMCID: PMC10656178.