CUTANEOUS MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN CHINA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM A SINGLE CENTER IN THE REGION

Main Article Content

Qazi Syed Irfanullah Shah
Xuefeng Wan
Lv Jin
Akebaier Sulaiman
Paride Abliz

Keywords

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma, Melanoma Subtypes, Diagnostic Challenges, Misdiagnosis, Histopathological Examination

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma (CMM) is a formidable global health challenge, exhibiting distinct characteristics in China. While extensively studied in Western countries, the unique epidemiological patterns, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges of CMM in the Chinese demographic remain underexplored. This study aims to unravel the complexities of CMM within China, drawing insights from a recent investigation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.


Methods: A retrospective analysis of 85 patients diagnosed with Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between September 2017 and January 2022 was conducted. Various melanoma subtypes, including superficial spreading melanoma, acral melanoma, nodular melanoma, mucosal melanoma, and lentigo melanoma, were considered.


Results: The study revealed a diverse distribution of melanoma subtypes, with acral melanoma being predominant at 61.18%. Age-specific incidence patterns deviated from Western trends, indicating a decrease in incidence for individuals aged 53 and above. The diagnostic journey unveiled a misdiagnosis rate of 10.59%, lower than Western literature, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and advanced diagnostic tools. Misdiagnosed conditions included pigmented mole, junctional nevus, and seborrheic keratosis. Gender distribution showed 31.76% male and 68.24% female patients.


Conclusion: CMM in China exhibits unique epidemiological patterns, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges. The dominance of acral melanoma and age-specific incidence patterns necessitate region-specific clinical considerations. The study underscores the importance of tailored screening protocols and advanced diagnostic tools for accurate early detection. Acknowledging the limitations of retrospective studies, the findings call for extensive, multicenter research to deepen our understanding of melanoma in the Chinese population, ultimately contributing to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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