The presentation of malignant melanoma.
Survival figures for patients with malignant melanoma in South Africa compare rather unfavourably with those from other countries, for example Queensland, Australia. The chief reason for this seems to be the late stage at which patients present with the tumour and hence the late diagnosis of melanoma in this country. A series of patients was studied and note was taken of their presenting symptoms and signs, which included growth of a pigmented lesion, bleeding, darkening, pain, tenderness and itching. Ulceration and satellitosis had developed in a small proportion of cases. Awareness of this tumour and education as to the circumstances in which it should be suspected should be encouraged, so as to ensure earlier diagnosis and treatment and thus higher survival rates.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013019:South Africa