Melanoma and Thyroid Carcinoma: Our Current Understanding

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Melanoma incidence is rising, characterized by aggressive behavior and high metastasis risk.
• BRAF V600 mutations are prevalent in unresectable and metastatic melanomas.
• Papillary thyroid carcinoma rates are increasing, with BRAF V600 mutations frequently observed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between melanoma and thyroid disease.
• To understand the clinical observation of concurrent melanoma and thyroid disease in patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic English-language literature review was conducted.
• Databases searched included PubMed Central and ScienceDirect.
• Search terms focused on "melanoma and thyroid carcinoma" and "BRAF mutation and thyroid cancer" from January 2000 to July 2018.

Main Results:

• The literature review supports a disproportionate incidence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with a history of melanoma.
• BRAF V600 mutations are common in both melanoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma, correlating with aggressive disease.
• The review highlights the clinical observation of an association between these two malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction is noted more frequently in melanoma patients.
• Awareness of this association is critical for early disease detection.
• Healthcare providers should consider screening for thyroid dysfunction in melanoma patients.