[The pretherapeutic phase of malignant melanoma of the skin. Analysis and suggestions for improvements in early diagnosis].

138 patients suffering from histologically proven malignant melanoma of the skin were questioned about the period of time that had elapsed between recognizing the tumor and seeing a doctor. The average time was 331 days, but there was considerable variation. The main reason for the delay in seeking medical advice was a lack of knowledge concerning the nature of malignant melanoma. The patient's social background was the determining factor in how much time went by until he saw a physician. 20% of the melanomas were coincidental findings. The time which elapsed between seeing a doctor and initiation of therapy was 179 days on the average. This period largely depended on the specialization of the physician and the kind of evaluation given. Our analysis should help to shorten the time which elapses between recognition of the tumor by the patient and initiation of treatment by the physician. A reduction of this period should improve the prognosis of malignant melanoma.