Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Pediatric Melanoma: A 35-year Population-based Review
Paige H Dean1, Marija Bucevska1, Caron Strahlendorf1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Division of Oncology/Hematology/BMT, BC Children's Hospital and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Pediatric melanoma is rare, with most cases diagnosed after puberty. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, leading to an 85% survival rate in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is uncommon in children.
- Potential increases in pediatric melanoma incidence are debated.
- This study examines 35-year trends in pediatric melanoma in British Columbia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze incidence and survival trends of pediatric melanoma.
- To identify demographic and clinical characteristics of affected children.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for pediatric melanoma patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric melanoma cases (age <18).
- Data collected from 1979-2014 in British Columbia.
- Included demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival.
Main Results:
- 78 pediatric melanoma cases identified.
- Most diagnoses (78%) occurred in postpubertal children (≥12 years).
- Extremities and trunk were most common sites; trunk location had higher mortality.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric melanoma incidence is very low (<2.5 per million).
- Diagnosis typically occurs post-puberty, with equal sex distribution.
- Overall survival is 85%, primarily with surgical treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

