Analysis of Phenotypic Characteristics and Exposure to UV Radiation in a Group of Patients With Cutaneous Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is caused by a combination of endogenous and exogenous risk factors. Here were describe the clinical and anatomical characteristics of melanoma along with the endogenous and exogenous risk factors in 120 patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma in a health care area of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken in patients diagnosed with melanoma between January 1999 and July 2005 in the health care area served by Hospital Universitario de Canarias. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, phenotype, sun exposure, sun protection, and actinic damage.

Melanoma was most commonly diagnosed in women (62.5%) and lesions were most frequently located on the trunk. The most frequent tumor subtype was superficial spreading melanoma (63.3%) and 51.5% of patients were classified as having skin phototype II. Intermittent sun exposure was reported by 81.8% of patients and 50% had a moderate cumulative sun exposure (50-120h/y). Multiple melanomas were present in 3.3% of patients. In 43% of patients, the time to diagnosis of melanoma was more than 24 months.

A substantial percentage of melanomas were associated with actinic damage. Differences were observed in the level of sun exposure according to melanoma subtype. The most common causes for concern were growth and color changes in the lesion, and a substantial number of patients waited for some time between observing these changes and consulting a doctor.