ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: There is a worldwide increase in the incidence of malignant melanoma (MM). Although it is a highly aggressive tumor and associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, it is highly curable if diagnosed early. Both genetic and environmental risk factors are associated with MM, which may show geographic variations. In this study we aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical features of cutaneous melanoma patients who are under follow-up in our department and whether there is an association between patients' characteristics and disease features. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with cutaneous MM who were under follow-up in the dermatology outpatient clinic, and dermoscopy unit at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' demographic data and features related to MM were evaluated. RESULTS: Nineteen (55.9%) women and 15 (44.1%) men were enrolled in the study. When the patients were evaluated according to their Fitzpatrick skin types, type 2 was the most common in 21 (61.8%) of the patients, followed by type 3 in 9 (26.5%), and 1 in 4 (11.8%) patients. Twenty-two (64.7%) of the patients had a history of regular sun exposure. Twelve (35.3%) patients had a history of working outdoors. Sixteen of the patients (47.1%) had at least one sunburn history during childhood. The mean age at which patients were diagnosed with MM was 50.12±12.67 years. Age at diagnosis was found to be higher in those with actinic keratosis and those with solar lentigo (p=0.030, p=0.030; respectively). It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in terms of localization according to the place of birth of the patients (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: We believe that defining the patients' characteristics and developing follow-up strategies accordingly, will improve the treatment rates in melanoma. Dermatologists should schedule personalized follow-up programs for patients who have priorly defined and regional risk factors.
