Disparities Exist at All Levels of Melanoma Care in Elderly vs Younger Patients

Background: As a result of increased life expectancy, elderly patients have the greatest incidence of malignant melanoma (MM). Objective: To determine how elderly care for MM compares to that of younger patients. Methods : Data on stage I or II patients with MM were acquired retrospectively in 2 separate years, spaced 4 years apart. Cases were identified via cancer registries, surveys, and pathology services. Collected information included demographics, histologic characteristics, treatments, and imaging procedures performed. Results: Melanomas of the head and neck area were more common in older patients. Older patients also had more grave prognostic indicators including thicker tumors and higher frequency of histologic ulceration. Longer times from diagnosis to excision occured significantly more frequently in elderly patients than in younger ones, and a higher incidence of insufficient excision margins was seen in older versus young patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was p more...