Clinico-pathological Characteristics of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma in Pakistan

Objective: To analyse epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in Pakistan; and to compare the results with other studies. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Shaukat Khaum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) from January 1997 to December 2017. Methodology: All patients presenting to the study centre with a diagnosis of CMM were included in the study. Non-cutaneous melanoma cases were excluded. Patient demographics, tumor type, and tumor stage were recorded retrospectively. All data were analysed in SPSS and descriptive statistics were determined. Results: A total of 169 CMM patients were registered during a 20-year period. The highest incidence of melanoma was seen in the age group 40-59 years (n=69, 40.8%). Most common clinical subtype was unspecified melanoma (n=154, 91%). The most frequently observed T-stage at presentation was Tx (n=124, 73.4%), followed by T4 (n=23, 13.6%). With regard to body distribution, CM was seen most commonly in the lower limb including hip. Conclusion: CMM is a rare disease in Pakistan. However, patients tend to present at a more advanced stage. Identification of risk factors and tumor characteristics is, therefore, of paramount importance in managing these patients.