Superficial spreading melanoma: an analysis of 97 702 cases using the SEER database

Abstract

Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) is the most common type of melanoma. Large, population-based studies analyzing the incidence and survival of SSM are limited. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate demographic factors influencing the incidence and survival of SSM using a national population-based database. The United States National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was used to calculate incidence and disease-specific survival trends for SSM between 1973 and 2012. Patient data were stratified according to age, sex, race, ulceration, thickness, and stage. Of 97 702 patients, 52.66% were men, 94.93% were white, and 38.92% had a primary lesion on the trunk. The overall incidence is 5.987/100 000 and is increasing with an annual percentage change (APC) of 1.42%. Incidence increases with age, peaking at 70–79 years. Men (6.68/100 00, APC: 1.78) had a significantly higher incidence than women (5.565/100 000, APC: 1.10). A total of 79.16% of SSM are less than or equal to 1 mm and 92.32% are nonulcerated. The overall 5-year survival is 95.30% and is increasing steadily. Women (hazard ratio: 0.54), ‘other’ races (hazard ratio: 0.30), those with local disease, those with thin tumors, and those without ulceration had higher survival than their counterparts (P<0.0001). The incidence of this predominantly thin melanoma subtype is on the rise, creating enhanced concern. Primary and secondary prevention techniques should consider the mortality associated with thin melanoma.