INTRODUCTION: The malignant melanoma is a rare malignant tumour in black patients, but it is common in white patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively during 20 years (1973-1992) to determine the epidemiological features of malignant melanoma in Togo. RESULTS: During this period 63 cases (31 males and 32 females) of malignant melanoma were histologically diagnosed; an average of 3.15 cases each year. The tumor takes place preferably on the feet 40 cases (63.49%), hands 15 cases (19.04%), legs and thigh 10 cases (15.87%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the particularity of malignant melanoma in black subjects: its rarity and the feet localizations.
INTRODUCTION: The malignant melanoma is a rare malignant tumour in black patients, but it is common in white patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively during 20 years (1973-1992) to determine the epidemiological features of malignant melanoma in Togo. RESULTS: During this period 63 cases (31 males and 32 females) of malignant melanoma were histologically diagnosed; an average of 3.15 cases each year. The tumor takes place preferably on the feet 40 cases (63.49%), hands 15 cases (19.04%), legs and thigh 10 cases (15.87%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the particularity of malignant melanoma in black subjects: its rarity and the feet localizations.