A retrospective study of 304 cases of malignant melanoma in Malmö 1952-71

In the city of Malmö with about 250 000 inhabitants and only one hospital, all cases of malignant melanoma are referred to the departments of plastic surgery and radiotherapy. Altogether 304 cases were treated between 1952 and 1971 and all patients were accounted for at the follow-up. This figure does not include cases of superficial melanoma, Hutchinsons melanoma or eye melanoma. The incidence of melanoma increased from 3.4 to 8.0 per 100 000 inhabitants during the period. The treatment was the same during the years. The results of the treatment are presented in relation to the stage of disease, surgical procedure used, site of the tumour and sex. The overall 5-year survival rate without recurrence was 62%, while 6% were alive with recurrence. The corresponding figures for stage I cases were 71% and 7%. Total biopsy of the tumour before more radical surgery was not found to have any disadvantage. In view of the good results, we intend to continue the present method of treatment with addition of adjuvant chemotherapy in the "poor risk" groups.