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Nevi and Breslow thickness in melanoma: sex differences?
Vincenzo De Giorgi1,2, Federica Scarfì1, Alessia Gori2
1Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Division of Dermatology.
Melanoma risk is linked to nevus count. Women with fewer common nevi have thicker melanomas, while atypical nevi increase ulceration risk in both sexes, suggesting sex-specific melanoma behavior.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Common and atypical nevi are established risk factors for cutaneous malignant melanoma.
- Emerging evidence suggests nevus count may influence melanoma prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nevus counts (common and atypical) and melanoma prognostic factors.
- To explore potential sex differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 818 melanoma patients diagnosed between 2000-2013.
- Investigated association of nevus counts with Breslow thickness and ulceration.
- Analyzed nevi counts as continuous and categorical variables.
Main Results:
- A significant sex-and-nevus interaction was observed: women with low common nevus counts (<10) had more frequent thick melanomas.
- This interaction was also noted for very thick melanomas (Breslow > 4 mm).
- Increasing atypical nevi correlated with a higher risk of ulceration in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma exhibits differential sex-related biological behavior.
- Nevus count and type are associated with specific prognostic factors, particularly in women.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering sex in melanoma risk and prognosis assessment.
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