MELANOMA MALIGNO: ANÁLISE RETROSPECTIVA 2006-2013

Introduction: The incidence of malignant melanoma has been rising. Therefore, the knowledge of its prevalence is very important. The authors intended to study the prevalence, demographic variables and the clinical features of the malignant melanoma diagnosed in their department. Material and methods: A retrospective study of the MM diagnosed between 2006 and 2013 was performed. The data was statistically an analysed. Results: three hundred and forty one malignant melanomas were diagnosed in 302 patients, 189 in women. The average annual growth rate was 8.57%, with 27 MM in 2006 and 48 in 2013. The older age groups predominated. Overall the trunk was the most frequent location. The Breslow thickness averaged 1.18mm. A statistically significant increase in the proportion of thin malignant melanomas ( 2mm remained unaltered. Nodal disease (stage III) was evident in 36 patients. Only two patients had metastatic disease (stage IV). Discussion: The number of malignant melanomas diagnosed grew above the reported national and international incidence growth. The average Breslow thickness, above 1 mm, remains high. Nonetheless, the proportional increase in malignant melanomas <1mm points towards a positive evolution. Conclusion: Our data, though representing a limited population, may lead to conclusions on the efficacy of the prevention strategies regarding malignant melanoma.