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Body Mass Index and Melanoma Prognosis
Nicoletta Cassano1,2, Stefano Caccavale3, Gino A Vena1,2
1Dermatology and Venereology Private Practice, Bari, Italy.
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual
|October 11, 2021
Summary
Obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), may influence melanoma prognosis. While research is limited, higher BMI shows a consistent link with increased Breslow thickness in melanoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Obesity is a potential risk factor for cancer progression, including melanoma.
- Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to define obesity but has limitations in assessing body composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of BMI on cutaneous melanoma prognosis, independent of anti-tumor therapies.
- To review the association between BMI and specific melanoma prognostic factors.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was performed on PubMed using terms related to melanoma and BMI/obesity.
- Articles published up to November 30, 2020, focusing on melanoma prognostic aspects were selected.
- Studies on melanoma risk, incidence, surgical complications, or metastatic melanoma treated with therapy were excluded.
Main Results:
- Studies reported varied clinical outcomes for melanoma patients based on BMI.
- A more consistent association was observed between BMI and Breslow thickness.
Conclusions:
- Research specifically linking obesity and melanoma prognosis is scarce.
- Further investigation is required to fully understand the relationship between obesity and melanoma outcomes.
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