Document Detail


The advantage of using a synoptic pathology report format for cutaneous melanoma.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18184262     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
AIMS: Although the synoptic format is being increasingly used for primary cutaneous melanoma pathology reporting, no study assessing its value has yet been reported in the literature. The aim was to determine whether the use of synoptic reports increases the frequency with which pathological features that may influence prognosis and guide management are documented. METHODS AND RESULTS: Melanoma pathology reports (n = 1692) were evaluated; 904 were in a synoptic format [671 Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) reports and 233 non-SMU reports] and 788 were non-synoptic (184 SMU reports and 604 non-SMU reports). Reports (n = 1354) from 677 patients who had both a SMU report and a non-SMU report were compared. Almost all features were reported more frequently in synoptic than in non-synoptic reports (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the frequency of reporting the main pathological features between SMU and non-SMU synoptic reports. Synoptic reports were more frequently used by SMU (78%) than by non-SMU pathologists (28%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide objective evidence that synoptic pathology reports for melanoma are more complete than non-synoptic reports (regardless of whether the reports are generated within or outside a specialist melanoma centre). All synoptic reports should include the facility for free text, be tailored to individual institutional requirements and be updated regularly to be of maximal value.
Authors:
R Z Karim; K S van den Berg; M H Colman; S W McCarthy; J F Thompson; R A Scolyer
Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Histopathology     Volume:  52     ISSN:  1365-2559     ISO Abbreviation:  Histopathology     Publication Date:  2008 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-01-10     Completed Date:  2008-02-21     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7704136     Medline TA:  Histopathology     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  130-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomical Pathology; Sydney Melanoma Unit, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Biopsy
Humans
Melanoma / diagnosis,  pathology*
Pathology, Clinical / methods*,  standards
Prognosis
Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis,  pathology*

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