Malignant melanoma of the uvea in Iceland 1955-1979

During the 25-year period 1955 to 1979, 29 cases of malignant melanoma of the choroid and ciliary body, and 4 cases of melanoma of the iris, were diagnosed in Iceland. Excluding the iris melanomas, the annual incidence rate per 100 000, adjusted to standardized Icelandic population, was 0.7 in males and 0.5 in females. No change in the incidence rate was noted over the period. There was no significant difference in incidence rates between urban and rural regions. At the time of 31st December, 1982, 19 patients with melanoma of the choroid and ciliary body had died. In 10 cases the cause of death was melanoma metastases. All deaths with metastases occurred within 5 years from the day of enucleation. In no case were metastases found before enucleation. Five year survival rates for all patients were 51%, 64% in males and 30% in females. This difference between the sexes was significant.