Melanoma of oronasal mucosa. Population-based analysis of occurrence and mortality
N. T. Chiu and M. A. Weinstock
Dermatoepidemiology Unit, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA.
OBJECTIVES: To document the incidence and trends of oronasal melanoma with
time, place, and person and to provide population-based estimates of
survival and prognostic factors. DESIGN: Descriptive analysis of 9
population-based cancer registries in the United States for the years 1973
to 1991. SUBJECTS: All patients with primary melanoma of the oronasal
mucosa who resided in the registry areas, which included approximately 10%
of the US population. INTERVENTIONS: None. RESULTS: The incidence of
oronasal melanoma was 0.041/10(5) per year. There were no significant race
or gender differences in incidence. Melanomas of the nasal cavity were more
common in the northern registry areas, and increased in incidence during
the 19-year study period. Oral melanomas were less common in the North, and
did not change significantly in incidence. The median survival with
oronasal melanoma was 2 years, and the 5-year survival (+/- SE) was 25%
(+/- 4%). Advanced age and stage were adverse prognostic features, but no
significant differences in the prognosis were noted by anatomic subsite.
CONCLUSIONS: We have documented the incidence and prognosis of oronasal
melanoma based on a large population-based sample. The prognosis is poor.
The epidemiologic features differ substantially from those of cutaneous
melanoma.
