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Genetic susceptibility to naevi--a twin study
D F Easton1, G M Cox, A M Macdonald
1Section of Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey.
British Journal of Cancer
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence the number of benign melanocytic naevi, a key risk factor for malignant melanoma. This suggests a hereditary basis for melanoma susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma risk is strongly associated with the total number of benign melanocytic naevi.
- Understanding the basis of naevus count is crucial for assessing melanoma risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential inherited basis of melanocytic naevus counts.
- To explore the genetic contribution to melanoma risk through naevus enumeration.
Main Methods:
- Examined naevi in 23 monozygotic (MZ) and 22 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs.
- Assessed correlation in total numbers of naevi (≥3 mm diameter) between twin pairs.
- Evaluated concordance for presence of larger naevi (≥5 mm diameter).
Main Results:
- A strong correlation in total naevus counts (≥3 mm) was found between MZ twins (intraclass correlation 0.83).
- No significant correlation in total naevus counts was observed between DZ twins (correlation -0.24).
- No increased concordance for naevi ≥5 mm was noted in MZ or DZ twins beyond chance.
Conclusions:
- Results strongly suggest a significant inherited basis for total melanocytic naevus count.
- The findings imply that genetic factors contribute to melanoma risk, potentially through multiple interacting genes.