Patient’s health awareness as a significant link in the process of melanoma diagnostics

INTRODUCTION: Melanoma malignum is a relatively rare neoplasm, among all skin neoplasms, but its related mortality is high. Diagnosis and removal of the lesion at an early stage are crucial for significant increase in chances of survival andis highly determined by patients’ awareness in terms of melanoma risk factors.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the level of patients’ knowledge and awareness in terms of skin melanoma, its risk factors, health promoting behaviors, as well as learning about the sources of this knowledge.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study group included 142 patients from the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital in Kraków. Patients were divided into two groups: 88 people from the Videodermatoscopy Office (VDO), 53 people from other offices (OO). A questionnaire including 40 questions was used as a research tool for the studied group. It applied to data obtained from demographic data, determination of skin phototype according to Fitzpatrick scale, history of possible suspicious or removed skin lesions, awareness in terms of skin neoplasm prevention, patients’ knowledge about skin melanoma, and its source. Collected data were then subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS: VDO patients provided more accurate answers to questions regarding melanoma, prognosis, risk factors, possible melanoma sites, and treatment. Melanoma was correctly described as a malignant neoplasm by 92% people from the VDO group, and 65% of the OO group, surgical melanoma removal as the correct method was indicated by 84% vs. 68% and excessive exposure to sunlight 88.2% vs. 74%, sunbathing without use of skin sunscreen lotions 92.1% vs. 84%, melanoma in the family 75% vs. 66%, use of tanning salons 80.3% vs. 66%, exposure to excessive sun effect during childhood 67.1% vs. 34%, previously removed melanoma 44.7% vs. 24%, use of tanning beds 80.3% vs. 66%, high number of nevi 68.4% vs. 38% as melanoma risk factors, features of alarming nevi (multiple colors 77.3% vs. 56.6%, growth over time 75% vs. 50.9%, irregular borders 72.7% vs. 45.3%, diameter >5 mm 72.7% vs. 45.3%, asymmetrical shape 61.4% vs. 67.9%). 51.3% of patients of the VDO vs. 8% of the OO group indicated physician as the source of knowledge and 79,1% vs. 61% of them perform regular self-examination.

CONCLUSION: Crucial links in the process of melanoma diagnostics include: health awareness of patients, involvement of physicians, both dermatologists, and primary healthcare physicians, as well as appropriately prepared and comprehensive information and education provided by media. According to the foregoing information, physicians have to be ready not only to diagnose the problem reported by a patient, but also to take the initiative and educate patients in terms of disease character, risk factors and motivating to perform self-examination of the skin, as this provides the most measurable results.