Seasonal Variation in Ocular Melanoma Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): S.M. Schwartz, N.S. Weiss
Primary Institution: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington
Hypothesis
Does the incidence of ocular melanoma exhibit seasonal variation similar to cutaneous melanoma?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that the incidence of uveal melanomas exhibits seasonal variation.
Supporting Evidence
- The study analyzed a large series of ocular melanoma cases.
- 91.0% of the tumors were microscopically confirmed.
- Seasonal patterns were not consistent across different demographics.
Takeaway
The study looked at eye melanoma cases and found that they don't seem to be diagnosed more in summer like skin melanoma does.
Methodology
Analyzed 1,247 cases of ocular melanoma reported to the SEER program from 1973 to 1984.
Limitations
The study may not have captured all seasonal patterns due to the nature of the disease and detection methods.
Participant Demographics
Primarily white individuals not of Spanish surname.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.0009 for males with eyeball melanomas showing seasonal variation.
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