European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 1: Diagnostics - Update 2024
This guideline was developed in close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma were developed on the basis of systematic literature research and consensus conferences. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most dangerous form of skin tumor and accounts for 90 % of skin cancer mortality. The diagnosis of melanoma can be made clinically and must always be confirmed by dermoscopy. If melanoma is suspected, a histopathological examination is always required. Sequential digital dermoscopy and whole-body photography can be used in high-risk patients to improve the detection of early-stage melanoma. If available, confocal reflectance microscopy can also improve the clinical diagnosis in special cases. Melanoma is classified according to the 8th version of the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification. For thin melanomas up to a tumor thickness of 0.8 mm, no further diagnostic imaging is required. From stage IB, lymph node sonography is recommended, but no further imaging examinations. From stage IIB/C, whole-body examinations with computed tomography or positron emission tomography CT in combination with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain are recommended. From stage IIB/C and higher, a mutation test is recommended, especially for the BRAF V600 mutation. It is important to perform a structured follow-up to detect relapses and secondary primary melanomas as early as possible. A stage-based follow-up regimen is proposed, which in the experience of the guideline group covers the optimal requirements, although further studies may be considered. This guideline is valid until the end of 2026.
Authors
- Giovanni Pellacani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7222-2951)
- Claus Garbe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8530-780X)
- Brigitte Dréno (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5574-5825)
- Eggert Stockfleth (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1922-9062)
- Nicole W.J. Kelleners-Smeets (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6542-7740)
- Véronique Bataille (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8750-4150)
- Mario Mandalà (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8846-8959)
- Caterina Longo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8218-3896)
- Ricardo Vieira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5914-9171)
- D. Moreno‐Ramírez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1301-7974)
- Célèste Lebbé (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5854-7290)
- Liève Brochez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6105-6719)
- Petr Arenberger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4800-5877)
- Philippe Saïag (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6500-3507)
- Roland Kaufmann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1614-694X)
- Axel Hauschild (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1212-9587)
- Josep Malvehy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6998-914X)
- Alexander M.M. Eggermont (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4278-040X)
- Maria Concetta Fargnoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7249-2556)
- Teresa Amaral (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2516-5181)
- Aimilios Lallas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7193-0964)
- Lars Bastholt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5478-9826)
- Nicole Basset‐Séguin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9136-1244)
- Paul C. Lorigan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8875-2164)
- V. del Mármol (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4359-0667)
- Alexander C. J. van Akkooi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3262-6935)
- Ulrike Leiter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8019-1577)
- Paul Nathan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2327-3250)
- Iris Zalaudek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7878-4955)
- Ana‐Maria Forsea (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1007-7883)
- Alexander J. Stratigos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4989-9075)
- Ketty Peris (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1957-6600)
- Christoph Höller
Institutions
- Goethe University Frankfurt (DE)
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (IT)
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (BE)
- University of Trieste (IT)
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
- King's College London (GB)
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (FR)
- Charles University (CZ)
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR)
- University of Perugia (IT)
- Ghent University Hospital (BE)
- Odense University Hospital (DK)
- Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra (PT)
- University of Manchester (GB)
- Maastricht University (NL)
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena (ES)
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (DE)
- University Hospital Frankfurt (DE)
- San Gallicano Hospital (IT)
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT)
- Medical University of Vienna (AT)
- Ruhr University Bochum (DE)
- University of Lübeck (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- European Journal of Cancer
- Published
- 2024-11-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2024.115152
- Citations
- 46
- Primary Topic
- Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 13.00