Pathologists' Use of Second Opinions in Interpretation of Melanocytic Cutaneous Lesions: Policies, Practices, and Perceptions.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2018
Publication Title
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
Keywords
Attitude of Health Personnel; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Melanoma; Organizational Policy; Pathologists; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Referral and Consultation; Skin Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research examining the role of second opinions in pathology for diagnosis of melanocytic lesions is limited.
OBJECTIVE: To assess current laboratory policies, clinical use of second opinions, and pathologists' perceptions of second opinions for melanocytic lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data collected from 207 pathologists in 10 US states who diagnose melanocytic lesions. The web-based survey ascertained pathologists' professional information, laboratory second opinion policy, use of second opinions, and perceptions of second opinion value for melanocytic lesions.
RESULTS: Laboratory policies required second opinions for 31% of pathologists and most commonly required for melanoma in situ (26%) and invasive melanoma (30%). In practice, most pathologists reported requesting second opinions for melanocytic tumors of uncertain malignant potential (85%) and atypical Spitzoid lesions (88%). Most pathologists perceived that second opinions increased interpretive accuracy (78%) and protected them from malpractice lawsuits (62%).
CONCLUSION: Use of second opinions in clinical practice is greater than that required by laboratory policies, especially for melanocytic tumors of uncertain malignant potential and atypical Spitzoid lesions. Quality of care in surgical interventions for atypical melanocytic proliferations critically depends on the accuracy of diagnosis in pathology reporting. Future research should examine the extent to which second opinions improve accuracy of melanocytic lesion diagnosis.
Clinical Institute
Cancer
Department
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Department
Oncology
Department
Dermatology
Recommended Citation
Geller, Berta M; Frederick, Paul D; Knezevich, Stevan R; Lott, Jason P; Nelson, Heidi D; Titus, Linda J; Carney, Patricia A; Tosteson, Anna N A; Onega, Tracy L; Barnhill, Raymond L; Weinstock, Martin A; Elder, David E; Piepkorn, Michael W; and Elmore, Joann G, "Pathologists' Use of Second Opinions in Interpretation of Melanocytic Cutaneous Lesions: Policies, Practices, and Perceptions." (2018). Articles, Abstracts, and Reports. 449.
https://digitalcommons.providence.org/publications/449
