Re-appraisal of malignant melanoma diagnosis in the Swedish cancer registry.

Abstract

In many countries the registration of malignant melanoma of the skin shows an increased incidence; this may partially be due to an over-diagnosis. From the group of 3,268 adults and 21 children classified as suffering from malignant melanoma of the skin in the Swedish Cancer Registry between 1959-1968, a one-in-ten systematic sample survey was the object of a retrospective examination. 349 adults and 2 children had a uniform histopathological evaluation performed by one of the authors (B.L.). Slides were not available in 8 cases (2 per cent) and in the remaining 343, the diagnosis was regarded as incorrect in 13 (3.7 per cent). All these 13 cases, (2 children and 11 adults), showed no special predilection as to age, sex, location, or year of registration. In view of such a slight degree of error, the Swedish Cancer registry's melanoma group from 1959-1968 would seem suitable for further epidemiological studies.