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PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological patterns, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes of conjunctival malignancies in Germany between 2009 and 2019. METHODS: A total of 1,532 cases were analyzed, with the crude incidence rate calculated. The survival rates were investigated using life tables and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate was 1.7 per million. Incidence rates varied across age groups, peaking in the 75+ age group. Carcinomas (43%), melanomas (30%), and lymphomas (20%), were the most prevalent malignancies. Of the total cases with reported treatment, surgical intervention was undertaken in 64.5% of the patients. The 5-year overall survival rates were 90.4% for lymphomas, 73.8% for melanomas, and 72.9% for carcinomas. Age at diagnosis emerged as a significant prognostic factor in the Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first population-based incidence data on conjunctival malignancies in Germany, noting a generally low incidence with survival rates comparable to other regions. The findings underscore the importance of consistent reporting and further research into risk factors for a deeper understanding of these malignancies. The study calls for improved reporting systems and further investigations into genetic factors and targeted prevention strategies for high-risk groups.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Marital status influences the presentation and outcome of various cancers. We explored the relationship between marital status and survival of uveal melanoma (UM) and factors influencing this relationship. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients diagnosed with UM and registered in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program between 1973 and 2017. Cox regression model was conducted to calculate the hazard ratio of overall and cancer-specific survival rate and delineate the effect of each confounder. RESULTS: The study involved 10,557 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1. Most of the diagnosed patients were aged between 40 and 79 years (81%). Married patients (62%) represented the majority, followed by singles (12%), widowed (11%), and then divorced patients (7%). Single patients were the youngest group (mean age of 59.3 years) while widowed patients were the oldest (mean age of 75.8 years). In the Cox regression model for overall survival, married and single patients exhibited the best overall survival (no significant difference in between them), both surpassing divorced and widowed patients. Married patients were at a significantly lower risk to die from UM than divorced patients. Female patients and younger age groups showed the best overall and cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Maintained marriages improved the survival of UM patients. Widowed and divorced patients should be included in specially designed support programs during their cancer management.
