Melanoma incidence and pathways of management at BHS.

Abstract

Background

A significant proportion of regional patients are still being referred to metropolitan Melbourne for management of melanoma due to long standing referral pathways. All treatment options for melanoma are now standard of care and available for patients in Ballarat including clinical trial options. We aim to evaluate how many patients could have been treated appropriately in Ballarat and establish a better pathway for this to occur.

Objectives/Aims

Primary: to determine the incidence of melanoma and referral pathway to Ballarat Health Services. As well as the surgical intervention and oncological referral pathway and management. Secondary: to compare the practice of Ballarat Health Services with national practice standards and evaluate their differences.

Method

Retrospective data collection of Ballarat Health Services clinical records from 2010-2017. Melanoma cases highlight patient demographics, referral method, surgical and oncological intervention as well as further referral pathways.

Results

Early stages of data collection indicate an incidence of 2385 skin cancer lesions referred to Ballarat Health Services receiving surgical and/or oncological treatment between 2010-2017. Approximately 20% are melanoma cases. Interestingly, a number of patients re-presented with melanoma metastasis after an initial melanoma was surgically removed with clear margins.

Implications/Outcomes for Planned Research Project

To determine the clinical need for developing a melanoma Multi-Disciplinary Meeting at Ballarat Health Services and to evaluate the need for greater resource allocation for melanoma management in the Grampian’s Region.