Risk factors and outcomes of melanoma in children and adolescents: A retrospective multicenter study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024 Apr;90(4):716-726
Date
12/02/2023Pubmed ID
38040338DOI
10.1016/j.jaad.2023.10.067Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85181126235 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pediatric melanoma presents with distinct clinical features compared to adult disease.
OBJECTIVE: Characterize risk factors and negative outcomes in pediatric melanoma.
METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of patients under 20 years diagnosed with melanoma between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 2015 from 11 academic medical centers.
RESULTS: Melanoma was diagnosed in 317 patients, 73% of whom were diagnosed in adolescence (age ≥11). Spitzoid (31%) and superficial spreading (26%) subtypes were most common and 11% of cases arose from congenital nevi. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 68% of cases and positive in 46%. Fatality was observed in 7% of cases. Adolescent patients with melanoma were more likely to have family history of melanoma (P = .046) compared to controls.
LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature, cohort size, control selection, and potential referral bias.
CONCLUSION: Pediatric melanoma has diverse clinical presentations. Better understanding of these cases and outcomes may facilitate improved risk stratification of pediatric melanoma.
Author List
Hawryluk EB, Moustafa D, Barry KK, Bahrani E, Reusch DB, Brahmbhatt M, Chen L, Coughlin CC, Gerami P, Haddock E, Hook K, Humphrey SR, Kao PC, Kruse LL, Lawley LP, Mansour D, Marghoob AA, Nguyen J, Phung TL, Pope E, Raisanen T, Robinson S, Rogers T, Schmidt B, Tran G, Travis K, Wolner Z, London WB, Eichenfield LF, Huang JAuthor
Stephen R. Humphrey MD Associate Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Child
Humans
Melanoma
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Skin Neoplasms
