Clinical-pathological features of cutaneous melanomas diagnosed in a Mediterranean tertiary hospital between 1990 and 2004: a comparison between sexes and age groups and analysis of longterm outcomes

• Published in: Actas dermo-sifiliográficas Vol. 100; no. 6; pp. 476 - 485
• Main Authors: Arranz-Sánchez, D M, Pizarro, A, Valencia-Delfa, J L, Villeta-López, M, González-Beato, M J, Mayor-Arenal, M, Casado-Jiménez, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.07.2009
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Male; Melanoma - pathology; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Sex Factors; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Time Factors; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0001-7310

The incidence of malignant melanoma has increased over recent decades. Early diagnosis continues to be essential for effective treatment. Our objective was to analyze cutaneous malignant melanomas diagnosed over a 15-year period in a tertiary hospital for trends towards earlier diagnosis and to identify subgroups with poorer prognosis. Retrospective analysis of primary cutaneous melanomas analyzed in the pathology department of Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain, between 1990 and 2004. In total, 526 melanomas were diagnosed. The mean (SD) Breslow thickness was 2.63 (4.84) mm and the median thickness was 0.98 mm (range, 0-65 mm). The mean size (widest point) was 16.59 (12.11) mm. The most common histological type was surface-spreading melanoma and the most common site was the trunk. Melanomas detected in men were generally larger and thicker than in women (P=0.05). Individuals aged over 60 years consulted for significantly thicker and larger tumors than younger individuals. The incidence of malignant melanomas has increased steadily over the years whereas the mean Breslow thickness and size have decreased. Diagnosis of melanoma in Spain is made increasingly earlier, although locally advanced tumors are still sometimes seen in men and in individuals aged over 60 years.