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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Differences in clinicopathological features and distribution of risk factors in Italian melanoma patients
1Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Background:
No studies are available in the literature on the distribution of different melanoma features and risk factors in the Italian geographical areas.
Objective:
To identify the differences in clinical-pathological features of melanoma, the distribution of risk factors and sun exposure in various Italian macro-areas.
Methods:
Multicentric-observational study involving 1,472 melanoma cases (713 north, 345 centre, 414 south) from 26 referral centres belonging to the Italian Multidisciplinary Group for Melanoma.
Results:
Melanoma patients in northern regions are younger, with thinner melanoma, multiple primaries, lower-intermediate phototype and higher counts of naevi with respect to southern patients; detection of a primary was mostly connected with a physician examination, while relatives were more involved in the south. Northern patients reported a more frequent use of sunbeds and occurrence of sunburns before melanoma despite sunscreen use and a lower sun exposure during the central hours of the day.
Conclusions:
The understanding of differences in risk factors distribution could represent the basis for tailored prevention programmes.
