[An epidemiological and clinical study of malignant cutaneous melanoma in the catchment area of León].

BACKGROUND

During the last decade the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has increased in different geographic areas around the world. The aim of this study is to know the incidence and clinical characteristics of CMM in the area of Leon between 1980-1989.

METHODS

One hundred nineteen cases corresponding to the total CMM cases diagnosed over the aforementioned period were reviewed. Clinical characteristics were studied and the annual and five-year incidence were calculated. Results were compared between two five year period (1980-1984 and 1985-1989).

RESULTS

The mean annual incidence rose from 1.9 in the first five year period to 4.4 cases per one hundred thousand cases per year in the second period (p less than 0.01). Furthermore, in this period a diminution was observed in the diagnosis of CMM with an elevated Clark level (III-V), with an increase of the lowest levels (p less than 0.05). There was a high predominance of women (76%) which increased in the second five year period (p less than 0.05). The mean age was 61.7 years which was higher than that reported by other authors with the most frequent sites being: head-neck (40%) and trunk (25%) The predominant histology was melanoma of superficial spread (46%). These variables did not vary significantly throughout the period studied.