Lesion-Directed Screening Cuts Time, Not Accuracy

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of the diseased in the United States. With an estimated 73,000 new case of melanoma alone diagnosed annually, dermatologists have their work cut out for them in helping patients catch this disease early. A relatively new screening technique is showing a great deal of promise in helping them speed up the process without losing accuracy along the way.

Researchers from University Hospital Ghent in Belgium recently released results of a study that dove into the potential benefits of using lesion-directed screening to detect skin cancer. They found, overall, this faster, more precision method had a similar cancer detection rate to total-body examination when performed by dermatologists.

To arrive at those findings, researchers screened a total of 1,982 patients for skin cancer. A total of 47 skin cancers were found with a positive predictive value for all suspicious lesions at 56.6 percent. The skin cancer detection rate per 100 participants had no significant variance between those screened using the LDS method and those screened with TBE.

The bottom line, researchers say, is the lesion-directed screening method delivers accurate, acceptable results when performed by dermatologists. Further study, however, must be done to determine if the results hold true for others performing the screening. The use of LDS, however, may be indicated now in centers where budgets are low or waiting lists for screening are especially long.

Skin cancer affects thousands of people each year, but can often be successfully treated if it is detected early. Screening procedures are critical for finding this disease early. While TBE is the preferred method for screening, the procedure is time-consuming. LDS may offer a way to cut the time without sacrificing potentially life-saving results in the process.

People who are concerned about skin cancer are urged to discuss the issue with their healthcare providers. Almost anyone who has had extreme sun exposure over the course of their lifetimes is at some risk for the development of this disease.

About Author:-Choice Cancer Care is an independent, physician-owned cancer center network. Dr. Gregory Echt, a radiation oncologist with over two decades of experience, is the founder of Choice Cancer Care. Choice Cancer Care is among the busiest practices in the country for brachytherapy, or prostate seed implant therapy – a cancer treatment plan for prostate cancer that provides remarkable success rates and fewer life-limiting side effects.

North Texas based Choice Cancer Care is a physician-owned cancer treatment center. Dr. Gregory Echt, a radiation oncologist specializes in the most highly sophisticated methods of chemotherapy and radiation therapy available today.