The independent pathology laboratory as a reporting source for cutaneous melanoma incidence in Iowa, 1977-1994

Linda A. Merlino; Kendra J Sullivan; Duane C Whitaker; Charles F Lynch

doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(97)70175-0

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Journal article

The independent pathology laboratory as a reporting source for cutaneous melanoma incidence in Iowa, 1977-1994

Linda A. Merlino, Kendra J Sullivan, Duane C Whitaker and Charles F Lynch

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol.37(4), pp.578-585

10/1997

DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(97)70175-0

PMID: 9344197

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Abstract

Health care changes during the past decade have resulted in a greater proportion of cutaneous melanoma (CM) cases diagnosed in nonhospital settings, increasing the potential for cases to be missed by population-based cancer registries. Our purpose was to assess changes in case-finding sources in Iowa from 1977 to 1994 and to determine the extent of underreporting for the State Health Registry of Iowa, a population-based cancer registry. This study examines changing trends in the incidence of CM and compares case-finding sources (hospitals/clinics, hospital pathology laboratories, and independent pathology laboratories). A survey of dermatologists serving Iowans provides estimates of underreporting. During the period 1977 to 1994, invasive CM increased 82%, whereas in situ CM increased 900%. The proportion of CM cases diagnosed in independent pathology laboratories increased to 25% of all cases. A range of 10.4% to 17.1% underreporting was estimated based on the survey of dermatologists. To improve the accuracy of surveillance, population-based cancer registries need to make a greater effort accessing pathology reports from nonhospital settings.

Pathology

Registries

Melanoma - epidemiology

Outpatient Clinics, Hospital - statistics & numerical data

SEER Program

Dermatology - statistics & numerical data

Follow-Up Studies

Hospitals, University - statistics & numerical data

Laboratories

Humans

Medical Records

Diagnosis-Related Groups

Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology

Incidence

Hospitals - statistics & numerical data

Pathology Department, Hospital - statistics & numerical data

Iowa - epidemiology

Population Surveillance

Details

Title: Subtitle: The independent pathology laboratory as a reporting source for cutaneous melanoma incidence in Iowa, 1977-1994
Creators: Linda A. Merlino - Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA
Kendra J Sullivan
Duane C Whitaker
Charles F Lynch
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol.37(4), pp.578-585
DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(97)70175-0
PMID: 9344197
NLM abbreviation: J Am Acad Dermatol
ISSN: 0190-9622
eISSN: 1097-6787
Publisher: United States
Grant note: 5-P30-E505606 / PHS HHS N01-CN-05229 / NCI NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 10/1997
Academic Unit: Epidemiology
Record Identifier: 9983995038302771

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