The staging workup of 1032 consecutive asymptomatic patients with localized melanoma was retrospectively reviewed via database chart review. Setting Regional melanoma referral center in an academic medical center. The melanoma database identified 1032 asymptomatic patients with localized melanoma for retrospective review. A chest x-ray film was considered initial if performed within 6 months of melanoma diagnosis. The rate of positive, negative, and suspicious findings of initial chest x-ray films.
II melanoma is unlikely to yield true-positive findings of silent pulmonary metastasis.
Prospective studies are necessary to ultimately define the yield of initial radiographs in asymptomatic patients with localized melanoma. Dr Terhune is now with the University of Kentucky, Lexington. Dr Swanson is now with the Oregon Health Sciences Center, Portland. Accepted for publication November 24, 1997. All rights reserved.