epidemiology of malignant melanoma over a thirty-two year period (1981-2013) in southern iran

background: malignant melanoma, one of the most deadly skin cancers, is a skin tumor that arises from the epidermal melanocytes. the aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic and clinical data of malignant melanoma patients in a referral dermatology center in the south of iran. methods: in this retrospective study, we have reviewed files of 116 patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma at hospitals affiliated with shiraz university of medical sciences, shiraz, iran from march 1981 to march 2013. results: there was a total 116 malignant melanoma patients (79 male and 37 female) with the mean age of 54.7 (sd=13.9) years old for men and 51.7 (sd=12.4) years old for women. the male to female ratio of malignant melanoma was approximetly two, as was the male to female mortality ratio. the most common clinical form was acral lentiginous melanoma. we have identified the most common site to be the sole of the foot. malignant melanoma mostly presented as a mass and it was most common in farmers. conclusion: the national health system should improve the quality and quantity of cancer registry offices so that better and more complete data can be collected for further research and possible implementation of preventive measures with respect to this cancer.