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Malignant Melanoma in Malaysia
Author(s) -
Ismail Rokiah,
Meng Looi Lai
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
the journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1346-8138
pISSN - 0385-2407
DOI - 10.1111/j.1346-8138.1988.tb03670.x
Subject(s) - malay , melanoma , kuala lumpur , medicine , incidence (geometry) , biopsy , dermatology , h&e stain , pathology , staining , philosophy , linguistics , physics , cancer research , marketing , optics , business
This paper reviews the malignant melanomas seen at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over a period of twelve years. During this period, there were twenty‐three cases of histologically proven malignant melanoma. Data from the case records was studied and analysed. Nineteen cases had primary cutaneous malignant melanoma; of these, eight had a history of recent onset, while the rest had pre‐existing moles. The largest number of cases (14) was seen at the surgical unit. In terms of ethnic distribution, the Chinese constituted the largest group (16 cases); three were Indians, one Malay, one Orang Asli (Malay Aborigine) and two Caucasians. All age groups above eighteen years were affected and there was a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. Biopsy specimens were blocked in paraffin. The stains used were hematoxylin and eosin and Masson‐Fontana. Of the cutaneous melanomas, nodular melanoma had the highest incidence of metastases at the time of biopsy. One notable feature was the poor lymphoplasmacytic response to these tumors. Prognosis was worse in nodular melanomas with an invasive level of 3 and beyond and tumor thickness of more than 4 mm.