Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
07:07
A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
Melanoma: differences between Asian and Caucasian patients
Haur Yueh Lee1, Wen Yee Chay, Mark By Tang
1Dermatology Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|April 14, 2012
Summary
Melanoma presentation varies by ethnicity in Singapore. Asian patients, particularly those with acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), experience delayed diagnosis compared to Caucasians.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cutaneous melanoma is uncommon in Asia, with limited data on its clinical presentation and outcomes in Southeast Asia.
- Ethnic variations in melanoma presentation among different racial groups remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics of melanoma in Singapore.
- To identify and highlight ethnic differences in melanoma presentation between Asians and Caucasians in Singapore.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from 48 patients with histologically confirmed melanoma.
- Patients were recruited from the National Skin Centre and National Cancer Centre of Singapore.
Main Results:
- Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) was the predominant subtype (50%).
- Non-ALM subtypes had higher rates of early-stage diagnosis (48% vs. 25% for ALM).
- Asian patients showed a trend towards older age, higher ALM prevalence, and longer diagnostic delays (27 months for ALM vs. 12 months for others) compared to Caucasians.
Conclusions:
- Geographical and ethnic factors influence melanoma's clinical presentation.
- Targeted awareness programs are crucial for the Asian population, emphasizing examination of palms and soles to reduce diagnostic delays.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...