The Potential Impact on Melanoma Mortality of Reducing Rates of Suboptimal Excision Margins  David A. Barzilai, Mendel E. Singer  Journal of Investigative Dermatology  Volume 120, Issue 6, Pages 1067-1072 (June 2003) DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12240.x Copyright © 2003 The Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Decision flowchart. Flow chart depicting the overall flow of the model. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2003 120, 1067-1072DOI: (10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12240.x) Copyright © 2003 The Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 Markov process. Markov simulation of hypothetical cohort of patients over time through a series of distinct health states until death. Patients enter the Markov process following excision of the primary melanoma. After entering the Markov process, each patient has a certain probability of experiencing a number of events, corresponding to the health-related Markov States described in the boxes above. Each patient begins in the “Well without local recurrence” box, and has an annual risk of dying from melanoma or other causes, living without recurrence (staying in the box), or recurring locally for up to the first 10 y following diagnosis. Arrows designate possible transitions during each annual cycle. The Markov computerized simulation follows a hypothetical cohort of patients as they continuously cycle between Markov States until, eventually, they settle into the death state. *Death from other causes is possible at any time in the model, but is not depicted in this figure. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2003 120, 1067-1072DOI: (10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12240.x) Copyright © 2003 The Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc Terms and Conditions