Clinical and histopathological study of cutaneous melanoma in Korea

Abstract

Background: Malignant melanoma in Korea has been increasing as in other countries, but there is no nationwide survey of malignant melanoma in Korea. Objective: The aim of this study was to document the clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous melanoma in Korea. Methods: The Dermatopathology Research Group conducted a review of nationwide collection of 109 primary cutaneous melanomas, diagnosed at 23 institutes over a recent 3-year period. Clinical records and pathology slides of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results and Conclusion: 1. The peak age was the 7th decade with the mean age of 58.1 years. Korea has a higher rate of acral melanoma and much lower rate of lentigo maligna melanoma. 2. Major component tumor cell was spindle cell type. 3. Clark level of tumor was III or more and Breslow depth was 2mm or more at the time of the first diagnosis in many cases (62%). 4. Pre-existing melanocytic nevus was present in a few cases (3 cases). 5. All these features suggest that the racial difference between the Korean and the Caucasian is evident. We also suggest that an early detection program is very important to cure this malignant tumor.