Patient-identified early clinical warning signs of nodular melanoma: a qualitative study

dc.contributor.authorCoroiu, Adina
dc.contributor.authorMoran, Chelsea
dc.contributor.authorDavine, Jessica A
dc.contributor.authorBrophy, Kyla
dc.contributor.authorBergeron, Catherine
dc.contributor.authorTsao, Hensin
dc.contributor.authorKörner, Annett
dc.contributor.authorSwetter, Susan M
dc.contributor.authorGeller, Alan C
dc.date.accessioned2021-04-11T00:02:14Z
dc.date.available2021-04-11T00:02:14Z
dc.date.issued2021-04-07
dc.date.updated2021-04-11T00:02:14Z
dc.description.abstractAbstract Background Nodular (NM) and superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) show different disease trajectories, with more rapid development in NM and fewer opportunities for early detection often resulting in worse outcomes. Our study described the patient-identified early signs of thin NM via comparisons to thin (≤ 2 mm) SSM and thick (> 2 mm) NM. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with NM and SSM patients and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results We enrolled 34 NM and 32 SSM patients. Melanoma early signs uniquely identified by patients with thin NM included white, blue or black coloration, “dot-like” size, fast changes in shape and color observed over 2 weeks, elevation and texture or “puffiness” over 6–12 months, and the sensation that the mole “did not feel right”. Early signs reported by both thin NM and thin SSM patients included round or oblong shape, “jagged” border, pink/red, brown/reddish or dark coloration, “elevated like a pimple” or “tiny bump”, fast color darkening, diameter growth, and border irregularity, and mole feeling “really itchy”. Conclusions We found evidence that early signs of NM can be self-identified, which has important implications for the earlier detection of this most aggressive type of melanoma by both health professionals and patients.
dc.identifier.citationBMC Cancer. 2021 Apr 07;21(1):371
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-08072-4
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/113216
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/44956
dc.language.rfc3066en
dc.rights.holderThe Author(s)
dc.titlePatient-identified early clinical warning signs of nodular melanoma: a qualitative study
dc.typeJournal Article
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