Incidence Of Primary Malignant Melanoma Research Articles

Primary malignant melanotic melanoma and hypomelanotic melanoma of the female urethra: case series and a review of the literature in China.

The incidence of primary malignant melanoma (MM) of female urethra is extremely low, leading to paucity of recommendations on management. The objectives of our study were to gain more insight into the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare type of tumor. We carried out a retrospective analysis of all four cases who underwent an operation in our hospital since 1980. Moreover, other 32 cases of MM that have been reported in Chinese papers were also included for further review. The age of the patients ranged from 38 to 81 years. A mass in the urethral meatus and hematuria are common presentations. The final diagnosis depends on histopathological examination. After surgery alone or combined with chemotherapy/radiotherapy/immunotherapy, all cases were followed for 1-151 months, whereas only one lived for more than 4 years after receiving the diagnosis. A timely and accurate diagnosis of MM is critical, especially for hypomelanotic and amelanotic cases. Immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy are necessary for a precise diagnosis in some cases. Extensive resection, early chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may help to improve survival.

Primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system: A diagnostic challenge

Abstract Background The rare incidence of primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system and its ability to mimic other melanocytic tumours on images make it a diagnostic challenge for the neurosurgeon. Clinical case A 51-year-old patient, with a tumour located in the right forniceal callosum area. Total surgical excision was performed. Histopathological result was consistent with the diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system, after ruling out extracranial and extraspinal melanocytic lesions. Conclusions The primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system is extremely rare. There are features in magnetic resonance imaging that increase the diagnostic suspicion; nevertheless there are other tumours with more prevalence that share some of these features through image. Since there is not an established therapeutic standard its prognosis is discouraging.

Melanoma maligno primario del sistema nervioso central: un reto diagnóstico

BackgroundThe rare incidence of primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system and its ability to mimic other melanocytic tumors on images makes it a diagnostic challenge for the neurosurgeon. Clinical caseA 51-year-old patient, with a tumor located in the right forniceal callosum area. Total surgical excision was performed. Histopathological result was consistent with the diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system, after ruling out extra cranial and extra spinal melanocytic lesions. ConclusionsThe primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system is extremely rare. There are features in magnetic resonance imaging that increase the diagnostic suspicion; nevertheless there are other tumors with more prevalence that share some of these features through image. Since there is not an established therapeutic standard its prognosis is discouraging

Revisiting the Gender-Linked Melanoma Burden

Background: Much is known about the worldwide rising incidence of skin cancers in the white populations. However, contradictory reports have been presented about a gender-linked risk for malignant melanoma (MM). Objective: To review the recent epidemiological information about primary and metastatic MM in south-east Belgium. Methods: Laboratory records of primary MM according to age and gender were compared per 3-year periods from 1988 to 2002. The numbers of MM per decade of patient age were corrected with regard to the number of citizens in the defined periods of age. This led to the calculation of the rate of estimated prevalence (REP). The same assessments were performed on 187 sentinel lymph node biopsies collected during the last 3-year period. Results: A total of 1,051 primary MM in women and 594 primary MM in men were diagnosed over the 15-year period. The female-to-male ratio rose by 24% over time, with a mean value of 1.77. The most recent years showed a marked increase both in the numbers and REP of primary MM. This situation was present in both genders, although it was most prominent in women of the reproductive age. MM metastases were found in 38/187 sentinel lymph nodes with a female-to-male ratio of 2.17. The age distribution for all sentinel lymph node biopsies copied that of primary MM, but the vast majority of the nodal metastatic MM was found in patients older than 50 years. The ratio between MM metastases and primary MM reached 6.1% (12/198) in men and 6.9% (26/378) in women. Conclusion: A recent increase in primary MM incidence was observed in our laboratory. The most likely cause is ascribed to more sensitive MM detection using the combination of clinical dermoscopy and laboratory immunohistochemistry. During the past 15 years, women were more affected than men by both primary and metastatic MM. The gender difference in incidence of primary MM has progressively widened due to an increased incidence in young and middle-aged women. By contrast, nodal metastatic MM mostly affected postmenopausal women.

SKIN CANCER SCREENING CAMPAIGN IN THE GERMAN SPEAKING COMMUNITY OF BELGIUM

The incidence of primary malignant melanoma (MM) and skin carcinomas, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is progressively raising. As long as their diagnosis and therapeutic managements are initiated early, their prognosis remains favorable. This underlines the importance of early recognition of skin cancers. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that skin cancer screening programs are efficacious in increasing the population awareness of the early signs of skin cancer and of the dangers of UV – exposure.A skin cancer screening campaign was organised by dermatologists of the German-speaking Community of Belgium in cooperation with the department of Family, Health, and Social Affairs of the Regional Ministry of the German-speaking Community of Belgium. In order to increase the screening selectivity, two risk populations were targeted; patients presenting 30 or more moles, and patients over 50 years of age presenting recent skin changes of the head and neck area. A media campaign using radio, television and daily press was started to increase the population awareness of the dangers of UV exposure and of the early signs of skin cancer. During 2 screening days, three-hour sessions were organised in 2 health centers located in Eupen and St Vith. A total of 148 patients were examined.A total of 124/148 patients met the selection criteria predefined during the media announcement. The simultaneous presence of 4 dermatologists during the screening sessions allowed a second opinion for warning lesions. Four BBCs as well as 23 patients pesenting dysplastic neviwere clinically diagnosed. During the 2 months following the screening campaign 5 MMs were identified by the same dermatologists in their routine practice.In conclusion, this skin cancer screening campaign led to the diagnosis of 4 carcinomas. The campaign furthermore increased the patient awareness, permitting the diagnosis of 5 MMs during the 2 following months. This figure represents about 30% of all MMs diagnosed yearly in this region of Belgium.