Diagnóstico y tratamiento multidisciplinario de melanoma temprano y localmente avanzado. Consenso de expertos. Asociación Colombiana de Hemato-Oncología (ACHO).

Introduction: Melanoma causes 75% of deaths from skin cancer. According to GLOBOCAN, in 2018 287,723 new melanoma cases were registered, with a mortality of 60,712 cases, which is equivalent to 20% of all incident cases. The alternatives for the treatment of melanoma are based on the staging of the disease, and on the molecular characteristics of the disease. Objective: To build a consensus by common agreement of experts, suggestions for the diagnosis and treatment of early melanoma, in the Colombian context. Methods: A multidisciplinary expert consensus was carried out, consisting of 19 clinical oncologists, 2 soft tissue surgeons, 2 dermatologists, 2 pathologists and 2 radiotherapists, active members of the Asociacion Colombiana de Hematologia y Oncologia (ACHO). This consensus was carried out in 4 stages: 1. Structuring of 29 questions, which were rated from 1 to 9, 2. Forwarding of non-consensual questions, 3. Analysis and discussion of responses, and 4. Non-consensual responses were carried out a nominal consensus. Results: 29 questions related to the diagnosis and treatment of early melanoma were discussed, suggestions based on evidence proven by experts and on internationally recognized oncology management guides adapted to the Colombian context and reality were constructed. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary suggestions for the diagnosis and treatment of early melanoma, specific obligations to guide decision-making and homogenize clinical practice according to the Colombian context and the characteristics of the Colombian health system are presented. This is an academic and non-regulatory document.