Melanoma of oronasal mucosa. Population-based analysis of occurrence and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To document the incidence and trends of oronasal melanoma with time, place, and person and to provide population-based estimates of survival and prognostic factors.

DESIGN

Descriptive analysis of 9 population-based cancer registries in the United States for the years 1973 to 1991.

SUBJECTS

All patients with primary melanoma of the oronasal mucosa who resided in the registry areas, which included approximately 10% of the US population.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

RESULTS

The incidence of oronasal melanoma was 0.041/10(5) per year. There were no significant race or gender differences in incidence. Melanomas of the nasal cavity were more common in the northern registry areas, and increased in incidence during the 19-year study period. Oral melanomas were less common in the North, and did not change significantly in incidence. The median survival with oronasal melanoma was 2 years, and the 5-year survival (+/- SE) was 25% (+/- 4%). Advanced age and stage were adverse prognostic features, but no significant differences in the prognosis were noted by anatomic subsite.

CONCLUSIONS

We have documented the incidence and prognosis of oronasal melanoma based on a large population-based sample. The prognosis is poor. The epidemiologic features differ substantially from those of cutaneous melanoma.