Mucosal melanoma of the genitourinary system

Epidemiology

• Rare, but more common in women (female/male=10:1)

• Incidence increases with age

• Most commonly involving urethra, penis, scrotum; rarely reported in prostate, bladder, and ureter

• Mean age, 64 years (range, 50–77 years)

• Rare in patients of African ancestry

• Urethral melanoma more common in female patients; no racial difference

• Risk factors: pre-existing nevi, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, history of melanoma