A follow-up study of cutaneous melanoma cases and controls in Rosario, Argentina

Abstract

SummaryIn recent years, cutaneous melanoma (CMM) incidence rates have increased in fair-skinned populations generating a growing demand for healthcare service. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with CMM in our area -with a high proportion of European immigrant descendants -and to follow them up for assessing the development of new skin lesions, and primary noncutaneous cancers. Age at diagnosis, gender, sociodemographic and phenotypic characteristics, family history, anatomical location, thickness and histopathological characteristics of CMM and subsequent lesions occurring during a follow-up for at least 5 years were recorded. Clinical and pathological data were recorded at the time of diagnosis, with follow-up information being gathered in 65 cases and 65 controls. Subsequent non-cutaneous primary malignancies were seen in 10 cases (15.4%) and 3 controls (4.6%, p=0.041). A comprehensive follow-up together with a close dermatological monitoring through clinical and dermoscopically skin observation in patients with CMM are recommended not only to early detect new melanomas, but also to identify other skin neoplasm and internal malignancies.