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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Cutaneous tumors in pregnancy
Joanna L Walker1, Annie R Wang1, George Kroumpouzos1
1Department of Dermatology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Pregnancy alters the frequency and natural course of certain skin tumors. Pregnancy-associated changes in melanocytic nevi are transient, and there is no substantiated evidence of increased risk of malignant transformation of melanocytic nevi in gestation. Characteristic vascular and pigment-related dermatoscopic features are helpful in evaluating pigmented lesions, but a biopsy should be performed for significant change or other worrisome features in a lesion. Outcomes for pregnancy-associated melanoma do not appear to be poorer compared with nonpregnancy melanoma; however, data are limited for advanced (stage III/IV) melanoma. Some studies suggest increased propensity for lymphovascular spread, but more data are needed for definitive conclusions and guidelines on prognostication, workup, and treatment of pregnancy-associated melanoma. Vascular tumors, particularly pyogenic granuloma (granuloma gravidarum), occur with increased frequency and are associated with pro-angiogenic hormonal influences. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has a more aggressive course during pregnancy with both prompt surgical treatment and close monitoring for recurrence being indicated.
Pregnancy alters the frequency and natural course of certain skin tumors. Pregnancy-associated changes in melanocytic nevi are transient, and there is no substantiated evidence of increased risk of malignant transformation of melanocytic nevi in gestation. Characteristic vascular and pigment-related dermatoscopic features are helpful in evaluating pigmented lesions, but a biopsy should be performed for significant change or other worrisome features in a lesion. Outcomes for pregnancy-associated melanoma do not appear to be poorer compared with nonpregnancy melanoma; however, data are limited for advanced (stage III/IV) melanoma. Some studies suggest increased propensity for lymphovascular spread, but more data are needed for definitive conclusions and guidelines on prognostication, workup, and treatment of pregnancy-associated melanoma. Vascular tumors, particularly pyogenic granuloma (granuloma gravidarum), occur with increased frequency and are associated with pro-angiogenic hormonal influences. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has a more aggressive course during pregnancy with both prompt surgical treatment and close monitoring for recurrence being indicated.
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