Incidence of cancer among vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride workers: Further evidence for an association with malignant melanoma

Abstract

Six malignant melanomas of the skin were observed in the whole study population versus 1.1 expected. Two new cases appeared in the extended follow up period versus 0.3 expected. In addition the authors are aware of one case of incipient malignant melanoma diagnosed in 1977 which was recruited from the medium exposure group. This case has not been included. The tumours were located as follows: three on the trunk, two in the face-neck area, and one on the foot. For malignant melanoma there is a difference in the rate ratio between the follow up periods, with highest incidence for the shortest follow up period. For lung cancer, however, there is no apparent difference in the rate ratio between the observation periods.