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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Ability to self-detect malignant melanoma decreases with age
L Trolle1, R Henrik-Nielsen, R Gniadecki
1Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|March 23, 2011
Summary
Malignant melanoma thickness increases with age, particularly in self-diagnosed cases. Dermatologists should consider older adults for melanoma screening programs due to increased mortality risk in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Prognosis of malignant melanoma is linked to tumour thickness.
- Tertiary dermatology centers manage diverse melanoma cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in Breslow thickness among patients at a referral center.
- To investigate the relationship between patient age and melanoma thickness.
- To inform melanoma screening strategies for at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 63 patient records.
- Measurement of Breslow thickness for each melanoma case.
- Statistical analysis to identify trends related to age and diagnosis method.
Main Results:
- Mean melanoma thickness was 0.31 mm, below the national average of 1.10 mm.
- Melanoma thickness significantly increased with age (0.24 mm per decade after 20).
- Age-thickness correlation was observed only in self-diagnosed melanomas.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologists should prioritize melanoma screening for older individuals.
- Self-diagnosis may lead to delayed detection of thicker melanomas in older patients.
- Targeted screening can improve early detection and patient outcomes for melanoma.
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