Melanoma and Tumor Thickness

Abstract

THE MOST accurate prognostic factor of primary melanoma has been shown to be the thickness of the lesion according to Breslow.^1,2 Campaigns for early diagnosis are based on the hypothesis that the tumor thickness is the consequence of the delay in the diagnosis, ie, patients' delay in seeking medical attention and physicians' delay in the detection of early melanoma. Information campaigns that increase population awareness about melanoma, training of physicians, and screening are expected to shorten these delays. Indeed, a decrease in Breslow thickness was observed in many countries where early detection was promoted.^3-6