Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine mode of detection of uveal melanoma and time to treatment in the United Kingdom.
Methods: :
Patients were identified from the Ocular Oncology database where data had been entered prospectively.
Results: :
The referral process was initiated by an optometrist in 68% of patients, general practitioner in 18% of patients, and ophthalmologist in 14%. Approximately 23% of symptomatic patients reported that their tumor was initially missed. The time from initial referral to treatment had a median of 49 days, exceeding 62 days in 43%. This was longer in patients who reported that their tumor was missed, in women, and in older patients. Ophthalmologists delayed the referral process by more than six months in 11% of patients. Primary enucleation was performed in 33% of patients, and was more likely in patients who had presented to a general practitioner and those who reported that their tumor was initially missed.
Conclusions: :
A better understanding of the factors influencing detection and time to treatment of uveal melanoma in different healthcare systems should enhance opportunities for conserving the eye and vision and may prevent metastatic spread in some patients.
Keywords: melanoma • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower