Distribution of clinical-pathological types of cutaneous melanomas and mortality rate in the region of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of all cases of primary cutaneous melanoma during the period 1995-2001, registered at pathology departments in the region of Passo Fundo.

Methods: The sample studied consisted of 229 primary cutaneous melanoma lesions, identified by anatomopathological reports, in 218 patients. The variables evaluated were: sex, age, anatomical site, histological type, level of invasion and tumor thickness.