Synchronizing the Nomenclature Surrounding Synchronous Primary Cutaneous Melanomas: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Medical Literature Analysis

Background:

• Nomenclature and prognostic implications of synchronous melanomas lack consensus.
• Synchronous cutaneous melanoma (CM) requires standardized terminology for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Multiple primary melanomas (MPM) present diagnostic and prognostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cases of synchronous cutaneous melanoma.
• To systematically analyze the clinicohistologic features and prognosis of MPM.
• To propose standardized terminology for synchronous melanomas.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of Pubmed and EMBASE databases (inception-2023).
• Inclusion criteria: multiple primary cutaneous melanomas within a three-month interval.
• Exclusion criteria: non-cutaneous melanomas, undefined time intervals.

Main Results:

• Nineteen case reports/series identified 22 patients with 66 melanomas diagnosed within three months.
• Subsequent CMs were thinner, more often melanoma in situ (MMis), and showed higher anatomic concordance when the initial lesion was on the trunk.
• Majority of patients (63%) had risk factors for skin cancer.

Conclusions:

• Synchronous primary cutaneous melanomas are heterogeneous, complicating diagnosis and prognosis.
• Inconsistent reporting and terminology hinder dermatologists' ability to manage high-risk patients.
• Recommend using the term "synchronous" for additional primary cutaneous melanomas diagnosed within a three-month interval.