Melanoma In Maiduguri Nigeria: A Study Of 76 Histologically Diagnosed Cases

U. H. Pindiga, Dilli Dogo, H. A. Nggada, Usman Babayo, I. A. Ekanem

SUMMARY

Objective: To describe the demographic characteristic, anatomical sites and staging of patient managed for malignant melanoma in Maiduguri Nigeria.

Methods: The case records of all the patients diagnosed as melanoma in the Department of Pathology University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between January 1980 and December 2001 were retrieved and reviewed. Results: There were a total of 76 cases of Melanoma representing 4% of all cancers diagnosed within the study period. There were 44 males and 32 femlaes (M:F = 1.4:1). The peak age group was 41-50 years constituting 42.1%. The lower limb (leg and foot) was the commonest site accounting for 85.5% (65%) of cases. Other sites are thigh (3); upper limb (3); eye (2), nose (2) and vagina (1). Thirty-nine cases had Clark’s staging: 32 were level - V and 7 were level – IV.

Conclusion: Melanoma is relatively uncommon and all our patients presented predominantly in the lower limb with advanced stage of the disease. Early diagnosis and the use of foot-wears may reduce the mortality. Niger Med. J. Vol. 45 No 1 January - March 2004: 14 - 16.

KEY WORDS: Malignant, Melanoma, Maiduguri.