Author/Authors :
Handjani، Farhad نويسنده , , Saki، Nasrin نويسنده Department of Dermatology, Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Saki, Nasrin , Parhizgar، Amin نويسنده Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Kardeh، Sina نويسنده Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Rafiee، Shima نويسنده Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Yaghutian Nezhad، Laleh نويسنده Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Kardeh، Bahareh نويسنده Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,
Abstract :
Background:Malignant melanoma, one of the most deadly skin cancers, is a skin tumor
that arises from the epidermal melanocytes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
demographic and clinical data of malignant melanoma patients in a referral dermatology
center in the south of Iran.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we have reviewed files of 116 patients diagnosed
with malignant melanoma at hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical
Sciences, Shiraz, Iran from March 1981 to March 2013.
Results: There was a total 116 malignant melanoma patients (79 male and 37 female)
with the mean age of 54.7 (SD=13.9) years old for men and 51.7 (SD=12.4) years old
for women. The male to female ratio of malignant melanoma was approximately two,
as was the male to female mortality ratio. The most common clinical form was acral
lentiginous melanoma. We have identified the most common site to be the sole of the
foot. Malignant melanoma mostly presented as a mass and it was most common in
farmers.
Conclusion: The national health system should improve the quality and quantity of
cancer registry offices so that better and more complete data can be collected for further
research and possible implementation of preventive measures with respect to this
cancer.
