Malignant melanoma in non-Caucasians: Experience from Hawaii

David Scott Johnson, Shane Yamane, Shane Morita, Cyndee Yonehara, Jan H. Wong

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Data from the Hawaii Tumor Registry suggest that the incidence of melanoma in the non-Caucasian population of Hawaii is not substantially different from that of the remainder of the United States. Our experience indicates that melanoma in this population, although unusual, is not rare. Although lesions on the palms and soles are more common, as are subungal melanomas, primary tumors on other skin sites account for the majority of patients with cutaneous melanoma in the non-Caucasian population. The substantial difference in primary tumor thickness suggests the reported poorer outcomes for non-Caucasian patients with cutaneous melanoma may be explained, at least in part, by a delay in diagnosis. Given the evidence that preventive measures and educational efforts have dramatically impacted the diagnosis and outcome of melanoma patients, it is critical to recognize that similar efforts should be directed at the non-Caucasian population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)275-282
Number of pages8
JournalSurgical Clinics of North America
Volume83
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2003

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