Determination of 5-year survival in patients with melanoma skin cancer diagnosed at the SOLCA Hospital, Loja-Ecuador (2010-2020)

Abstract

Introduction.  Skin cancer is one of the most common neoplasms worldwide, which is divided into two types: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is a type of cancer that originates in melanocytes, is invasive and has a higher mortality rate, reaching 65% of deaths and 80% of cases, mainly in North America, Europe and Oceania. In Latin America, according to Globocan (4), mortality from skin melanoma is 2.9 and 0.79 per 100,000 men and women respectively. Objective.  To determine the 5-year survival in patients diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer diagnosed from 2010 to 2015 with follow-up until 2020 at SOLCA Hospital. Methodology. A cohort study was carried out selecting patients with melanoma skin cancer to determine their 5-year survival through review of medical records and follow-up until December 31, 2020. Factors that increase the Hazard Ratio of the patients were determined. groups selected according to age, sex, stage of the disease and histological characteristics of the lesions. Results.  Patients diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer who have a higher probability of 5-year survival are male patients, malignant lentiginous type and in clinical stage X. Conclusion.  It is necessary to investigate predisposing factors, expand the information in the medical records to obtain better results and be able to establish prevention plans for this type of cancer.