Insight into the management of patients with melanoma in times of the COVID-19 pandemic - a single-center experience

Background/Aim. Despite all innovations in medicine, melanoma still has a rising incidence and high mortality and thus represents a significant challenge for the healthcare system. The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19), spanning three years, redirected healthcare r esources, suspended preventive programs, and strained the healthcare system, significantly impacting melanoma management. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the COVID -19 pandemic on the treatment of melanoma patients. Methods. This retr o- spective study analyzed melanoma patients treated at a single tertiary care center over two distinct three -year per i- ods: pre -COVID period (2017 -2020) and the COVID -19 pandemic period (2020 -2022). The following data were collected and compared : patient demographics, melanoma characteristics, time intervals from biopsy to surgery, and the share of thin and thick melanoma. Results. During the COVID -19 pandemic period, there was a 30% reduction in melanoma patients compared to the pre -COVID - 19 period. The decline was most pronounced in 2020 when the state of emergency was introduced in the cou n- try. Thin melanoma percentage as a measurement of successful screening programs decreased significantly during the COVID -19 pandemic (11.57% vs. 24.01%), while m e- dian Breslow thickness remained stable. The distribution of different histological types was co nsistent across both periods. The average time from biopsy to surgery r e- mained similar between the two periods, around 40 days. Conclusion. Despite challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic, melanoma remains a critical healthcare issue. This study emphasized the significance of prioritizing me l- anoma care in emergencies, ensuring patient identification and timely treatment in order to optimize survival and minimize treatment costs.