[Clinical-pathological features of cutaneous melanomas diagnosed in a Mediterranean tertiary hospital between 1990 and 2004: a comparison between sexes and age groups and analysis of longterm outcomes].

BACKGROUND The incidence of malignant melanoma has increased over recent decades. Early diagnosis continues to be essential for effective treatment. Our objective was to analyze cutaneous malignant melanomas diagnosed over a 15-year period in a tertiary hospital for trends towards earlier diagnosis and to identify subgroups with poorer prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of primary cutaneous melanomas analyzed in the pathology department of Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain, between 1990 and 2004. RESULTS In total, 526 melanomas were diagnosed. The mean (SD) Breslow thickness was 2.63 (4.84) mm and the median thickness was 0.98 mm (range, 0-65 mm). The mean size (widest point) was 16.59 (12.11) mm. The most common histological type was surface-spreading melanoma and the most common site was the trunk. Melanomas detected in men were generally larger and thicker than in women (P=0.05). Individuals aged over 60 years consulted for significantly thicker and larger tumors than younger individuals. The incidence of malignant melanomas has increased steadily over the years whereas the mean Breslow thickness and size have decreased. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of melanoma in Spain is made increasingly earlier, although locally advanced tumors are still sometimes seen in men and in individuals aged over 60 years.