PROFILE OF THE MALIGNANT-MELANOMA EXCISED IN GENERAL-PRACTICE

An analysis of 27 malignant melanomas diagnosed in a Dutch laboratory specializing in the provision of a cytology and pathology service to g eneral practitioners is reported. The median age of the patients was 3 9 years, and was lower in women (30 years) than in men (54 years). In the national data the mean age was 52 years for both sexes. There were twice as many women as men. There were no tumours from the head and n eck region. The ratio of tumours on the limbs to those on the trunk wa s 3:2. The melanomas were very small (74% with a diameter of less than or equal to 6.0mm), and they were also very thin (74% with a Breslow thickness less than or equal to 1.0 mm); compared with the national da ta in which 62% were less than or equal to 1.0 mm. Not surprisingly, t he estimated mean 5-year survival was favourable (95% for women and 76 % for men). After a period of follow-up ranging from 2 to 32 months; n one of the patients had any evidence of residual disease. This study d emonstrates that in skin biopsies performed by general practitioners m elanomas are mainly detected by chance, and have a very good prognosis .