Cutaneous malignant melanoma in the young.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is uncommon in pediatric and adolescent populations.
• Data from the Frenchay Hospital Melanoma Registry (1967-present) identified 29 cases in individuals 21 years or younger.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric and adolescent melanoma cases.
• To evaluate survival rates and the impact of metastatic disease in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patient data from the Frenchay Hospital Melanoma Registry.
• Analysis of demographic information, tumor characteristics, metastasis development, and survival times.

Main Results:

• Only 29 cases of melanoma in patients aged 21 or younger were documented.
• Four pre-pubertal cases (≤13 years) were identified, none from congenital nevi.
• Fifteen patients developed metastases, with 10 showing spread within 30 months; 8 died, with a median survival of 61 months.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric and adolescent melanoma, while rare, can present with aggressive features.
• Metastatic disease is a significant predictor of poor prognosis in young melanoma patients.
• Long-term survival is limited, particularly for those with metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma.