Comparative mortality of patients diagnosed with localized and in situ melanomas

The rates for incidence and mortality from melanoma are continuing to rise, although long term survival experience for patients with in situ and localized melanomas is favorable.

Excess mortality varied with age at diagnosis, sex, duration since diagnosis and tumor thickness.

Compared to the general white population in the United States, patients with localized melanoma experience a mild increase in Excess Death Rates (EDRs) the first year following diagnosis. For 1-5 years following diagnosis the EDRs are markedly increased across all age groups and decline thereafter. At 15-20 years following diagnosis the EDRS are not elevated except among patients < 40 years of age at diagnosis. Patients with tumors > 1.5 mm thick have mild to moderate increases in EDR for the first year following diagnosis, and extremely high EDRs up to 5 years. There is no elevation in mortality ratios or EDR for patients diagnosed with in situ melanomas.