Demographic, clinical and morphological profile of malignant cutaneous melanoma in a Northeastern region of Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction Melanoma is a malignant tumor with an unfavorable prognosis and an increasing incidence worldwide, with the most significant and the most common type being cutaneous melanoma. The epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma in Bulgaria are presented with low morbidity, moderate growth rate, and relatively low mortality, but with a rapid rate of increase in both sexes. Aim The aim of this study was to establish the clinical and morphological features of cutaneous melanoma in the Dobrich district and compare them to the European trends. Materials and Methods A retrospective non-clinical approach was used in the selection of patients. The study included patients with histologically proven skin melanoma in the period 2016–2019. Data on patient sex, age at diagnosis, tumor location, and clinical stage of the disease were collected according to Clark and Breslow criteria. Results The collected data show that the cutaneous melanoma in Dobrich district has a profile different from the average European one—all age groups are affected, except for 11- to 20-year-olds, and most cases occur in the age group of 61- to 70-year-olds, with an average age of diagnosis 59.82 years. In regard to sex distribution, men are more common, and the most common localization is the lower limbs. Morphological features show an advanced nature of the disease with a diagnosis in the late clinical stages. Conclusion Our data show that the gender distribution of cases corresponds to the European average, but the age and clinical stage of the disease are significantly more advanced, indicating a delayed diagnosis and emphasizing the need to develop a campaign for the prevention and early diagnosis.