Epidemiology of Melanoma in the South of Brazil: study of a city in the Vale do Itajaí from 1999 to 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUNDCutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence worldwide. The southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the country.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the epidemiological profile of melanoma patients in a southern city of Brazil.METHODSa cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, aiming to detect the clinical and histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the city of Brusque - SC, between 1999 and 2013.RESULTSA total of 213 cases in 212 individuals were studied. More than 50% of the patients were females (p< 0.05). The trunk was the most commonly affected site (p< 0.05), followed by the upper limbs. Nodular and superficial spreading melanomas were the most commonly detected in histological analyses. They did not differ statistically in frequency, but were more prevalent than other histopathological subtypes (p< 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between invasive and noninvasive melanomas (p= 0.2441). Among the invasive melanomas, those with Breslow thicknesses < 1 mm and between 1-2mm were more prevalent (p< 0.05).CONCLUSIONSIn this study we found a higher frequency of melanomas in female patients and patients aged over 51. The trunk was the most commonly affected site. Nodular and superficial spreading melanomas prevailed. Among invasive melanomas, those with Breslow thicknesses < 2 mm were the most frequent. This paper highlights the epidemiological profile of melanoma patients in the city and may help to identify and aid in the follow-up of those who are most likely to present the disease.

Superficial spreading melanoma: an analysis of 97 702 cases using the SEER database

“…SSM is the most common histological subtype, accounting for 60% of all cutaneous melanoma [1,3]. SSM tends to occur at sites prone to intense, sporadic sun-exposure, especially the trunk and extremities [3,4].…”

“…SSM is the most common histological subtype, accounting for 60% of all cutaneous melanoma [1,3]. SSM tends to occur at sites prone to intense, sporadic sun-exposure, especially the trunk and extremities [3,4]. It usually presents as an irregularly shaped cutaneous macule larger than 6 mm in size with variegation of color including light brown, dark brown, black, pink, red, blue, and gray, which is particularly menacing when thicker, with ulceration or bleeding [5][6][7].…”

Epidemiological, clinical and histological aspects of cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck region

“…Melanoma usually affects individuals of both genders that have light skin, hair and eyes (phototypes I and II, according to Fitzpatrick's classification), after 50 years old 4,5 . It prevails in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil, where are concentrated most studies in the area.…”

“…It prevails in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil, where are concentrated most studies in the area. In the Northern and Northeastern regions, the studies about this are scarce 5 .…”

“…and the exposure to artificial tanning are also considered as predisposing factors. In addition, mutation in the CDKN2A, CDK4 27 and XPC 23 genes can be responsible for additional risk [5][6][7] .…”