Insight into the management of patients with melanoma in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center experience

Nikolić Jelena; Marinković Marija; Jovanović Mladen; Mijatov Ivana; Leković-Stojanov Dragana; Kecman Stefan

doi:10.2298/VSP231022010N

Vojnosanitetski Pregled (Jan 2024)

Insight into the management of patients with melanoma in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center experience

Nikolić Jelena,
Marinković Marija,
Jovanović Mladen,
Mijatov Ivana,
Leković-Stojanov Dragana,
Kecman Stefan

Affiliations

Nikolić Jelena: ORCiD; University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia + University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Novi Sad, Serbia
Marinković Marija: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia + University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Novi Sad, Serbia
Jovanović Mladen: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia + University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Novi Sad, Serbia
Mijatov Ivana: ORCiD; University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia + University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Novi Sad, Serbia
Leković-Stojanov Dragana: University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Novi Sad, Serbia
Kecman Stefan: University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Novi Sad, Serbia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP231022010N
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 81, no. 4
pp. 197 – 202

Abstract

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Background/Aim. Despite all innovations in medicine, melanoma still has a rising incidence and high mortality and thus represents a significant challenge for the healthcare system. The pandemic of the coronavirus dis-ease 2019 (COVID-19), spanning three years, redirected healthcare resources, suspended preventive programs, and strained the healthcare system, significantly impacting melanoma management. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of melanoma patients. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed melanoma patients treated at a single tertiary care center over two distinct three-year periods: pre-COVID period (2017–2020) and the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–2022). The following data were collected and compared: patient demographics, melanoma characteristics, time intervals from biopsy to surgery, and the share of thin and thick melanoma. Results. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, there was a 3 0% reduction in melanoma patients compared to the pre-COVID- 19 period. The decline was most pronounced in 2020 when the state of emergency was introduced in the country. Thin melanoma percentage as a measurement of successful screening programs decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (11.57% vs. 24.01%), while median Breslow thickness remained stable. The distribution of different histological types was consistent across both periods. The average time from biopsy to surgery remained similar between the two periods, around 40 days. Conclusion. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, melanoma remains a critical healthcare issue. This study emphasized the significance of prioritizing melanoma care in emergencies, ensuring patient identification and timely treatment in order to optimize survival and minimize treatment costs.

Published in Vojnosanitetski Pregled

ISSN: 0042-8450 (Print); 2406-0720 (Online)
Publisher: Military Health Department, Ministry of Defance, Serbia
Country of publisher: Serbia
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/journal.aspx?issn=0042-8450

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