Increasing incidence of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma in Catalonia.

Background: Recent epidemiological studies suggest that past data where superficial spreading melanoma was by far the most common subtype of melanoma may not reflect current patterns of sun exposure or other risk factors more involved in other subtypes of melanoma as lentigo maligna (LM) or lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM).

Methods: In order to measure the current situation in our country, all cases of LM and LMM diagnosed in 23 hospitals in Catalonia, from 2000 to 2007, were recorded.

Results: Although for the global period LM/LMM represented only 8.

Melanoma incidence increases in the elderly of Catalonia but not in the younger population: effect of prevention or consequence of immigration?

All cases of MM diagnosed in 23 hospitals in Catalonia, from 2000 to 2007 were recorded and melanoma incidence calculated and adjusted for the European standard population via the direct method. The age standardised rate/100,000 inhabitants varied from 6.74 in 2000 to 8.

[Initial evaluation, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up of patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. Consensus statement of the Network of Catalan and Balearic Melanoma Centers].

The consensus statement on the management of primary cutaneous melanoma that we present here was based on selection, discussion, review, and comparison of recent literature (including national and international guidelines). The protocols for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up used in the hospital centers throughout Catalonia and the Balearic Isles belonging to the Network of Catalan and Balearic Melanoma Centers were also considered. The main objective of this statement was to present the overall management of melanoma patients typically used in our region at the present time.