We aimed to describe and compare patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM), depending on their initial contact with\r\ncare andwith regard to age, sex, andMMtype and thickness, and to explore pathways and time intervals (lead times) between clinics\r\nfrom the initial contact to diagnosis and treatment. The sample from northern Sweden was identified via the Swedish melanoma\r\nregister. Data regarding pathways in health care were retrieved from patient records. In our unselected population of 71 people\r\ndiagnosed with skin melanomaof SSMandNMtypes, 75%of patientswere primarily treated by primary health-care centres (PHCs).\r\nThe time interval (delay) from primary excision until registration of the histopathological assessment in the medical records was\r\nsignificantly longer in PHCs than in hospital-based and dermatological clinics (Derm). Thicker tumors were more common in the\r\nPHC group. Older patients waited longer times for wide excision. Most MM are excised rapidly at PHCs, but some patients may\r\nnot be diagnosed and treated in time. Delay of registration of results from histopathological assessments within PHCs seems to be\r\nan important issue for future improvement. Exploring shortcomings inMMpatients� clinical pathways is important to improve the\r\nquality of care and patient safety.
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