Human immunodeficiency virus infection and subsequent melanoma

Immunosuppression has been known for many years to be associated with the development of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. The association with melanoma is less clear. This report describes 4 patients with known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity who subsequently developed malignant melanoma. The subtypes and precursors of the tumors vary. Three of 4 patients treated using accepted surgical standards remained disease free an average of 33 months postoperatively. Treatment of the melanoma as in the non-HIV infected melanoma patient is advised. Epidemiological studies remain to be done to determine the significance of this association. In the meantime, melanoma remains a surgical disease and early, aggressive, standard surgical treatment is encouraged for these patients. Despite the immunocompromised state that their HIV status implies, surgical treatment offers local and regional control of disease and possibly cure.