Melanotic Pigmentation in Excisional Scar of Melanoma Patient Who Received BRAF and MEK Inhibitors

In a retrospective study using the SEER Medicare-linked database, 10,813 patients diagnosed with melanoma between 2005-2013 were evaluated to assess follow-up timelines, socioeconomic and provider factors influencing follow-up adherence, and the impact of these factors on mortality. The study found that 97% of patients had at least one follow-up visit, with 80.5% within the first 6 months and 88.6% within 12 months. Dermatologist-diagnosed patients were more likely to follow up, and those who did were typically from higher socioeconomic communities. Mortality was higher among patients who saw non-dermatologist providers at follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.88), and increased risk of death was associated with older age (aHR 1.09), male sex (aHR 1.76), Hispanic ethnicity (aHR 1.61), advanced melanoma stage, lower education, poverty, and follow-up within 12 months (aHR 1.27). The study highlights the importance of socioeconomic and provider factors in patient follow-up and mortality, suggesting areas for future research and public health interventions in melanoma management.