Cutaneous malignant melanoma: audit of the diagnostic process.

The results of a study of the diagnostic process in 202 cutaneous malignant melanomas over a 5-year period in one region are presented. Patient delay of more than 3 months was noted in at least 60% of cases, and delay after presentation was identified in 21% of the case histories. In 12% of the cases an opportunity for earlier diagnosis had been missed. The factors leading to delay in diagnosis are highlighted and the need for the dissemination of information relating to the early stages of the disease is emphasised.