Cutaneous malignant melanoma in children

Although rare, malignant melanoma does occur in children. As in adults, prognosis clearly depends on rapid diagnosis and early treatment. This paper describes eight cases of confirmed malignant melanoma in children, with full case history and pathological findings. Mean follow-up was 109.8 months. Early diagnosis and low Breslow indices provide good results in the form of absence of recurrence and long-term survival prognosis. The paper also includes a discussion of specific risk factors affecting children. In order to encourage earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis, it must be kept in mind that in children too, the skin as an organ should be included in any physical examination.

As for adult patients, early clinical detection, speedy histological confirmation and prompt surgery is the only way to achieve a long survival period for children suffering from malignant melanoma.