Malignant Melanomas Treated By Plastic Surgeons in Hamilton,Ontario: A Retrospective Study of 80 Patients with Clinical and Histological Correlation

Abstract

The present retrospective study was designed to analyze the clinical and survival data of 80 patients diagnosed between 1969 and 1987 with confirmed invasive malignant melanoma in Hamilton, Ontario and surrounding region. The age of peak incidence was 31 to 40 years of age for men and 51 to 60 years of age for women. The most frequent type of melanoma was superficial spreading. The most frequent sites were the upper back, ankle and leg. The six-year survival rate for all the patients was 63%. Patients below 50 years of age had a significantly better survival rate than patients above 50 years of age. Survival appears to be inversely proportional to tumour thickness. The findings in this study are similar to those of previous studies regarding clinical features and prognosis. Patient age, and tumour histology and thickness remain important prognostic factors in determining survival for invasive malignant melanoma.