Venema, Ilse Aeneae (2025) Prevalence, incidence and characteristics of melanoma in Twente and The Netherlands A five year analysis from Medisch Spectrum Twente (2019-2023). thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background: The incidence and prevalence of melanoma have increased over the past decades. Development of melanoma is influenced by both environmental and individual risk factors, possibly leading to regional differences in melanoma epidemiology. Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST), a top clinical hospital in eastern Netherlands, diagnoses and treats a high number of skin cancer patients annually. This raised the question whether melanoma prevalence and incidence in the region differed from national figures. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using cancer registry data from the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL) for both the national population and MST (2019–2023). A calculated catchment area was used to determine melanoma prevalence and incidence at MST. Chi-square tests were used to compare MST and national data. Withinpopulation analysis included patient characteristics, tumor location, and additional cutaneous malignancies. Logistic regression identified predictors of advanced-stage disease (stage III/IV). Results: Melanoma prevalence and incidence in MST were largely comparable to national figures, though incidence in 2023 was significantly higher. Both populations showed a temporary decline in incidence in 2020–2021, likely related to the COVID-19 pandemic. MST had a significantly higher proportion of stage III and IV melanoma. Within the MST cohort, ulceration predicted advanced disease, while regression, female sex, and a history of other skin cancers were associated with earlier-stage diagnosis. Conclusion: Melanoma prevalence and incidence largely mirror national trends with the exception of a higher proportion of advanced stage melanoma and some differences in temporal trends regarding incidence, possibly reflecting its role as a regional referral center.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Vogel, Dr. T.A. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Dec 2025 13:21 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Dec 2025 13:21 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3872 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |