FALSE-NEGATIVE FINDINGS IN SKIN-CANCER AND MELANOMA SCREENING

Background: Few data are available on the accuracy of visual skin exam ination by dermatologists as a skin cancer and melanoma screening tool . Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the number of fal se-negative findings in a skin cancer-melanoma screening program. Meth ods: We obtained follow-up information regarding 1551 persons with a n egative screening result in a skin cancer-melanoma screening program i n 1990. Follow-up was established by record linkage with two different population-based registries. Results: Fifteen persons had new skin ca ncers. Three of their lesions had been present at the original screeni ng and had probably been missed; 12 were genuinely new. No melanomas w ere among the missed cases. The calculated sensitivity of the screenin g was 93.3%, its specificity was 97.8%, its positive predictive value was 54.0%, and its negative predictive value was 99.8%. Conclusion: Vi sual examination by dermatologists as a screening tool for skin cancer and melanoma is appropriate.