Cutaneous malignant melanoma in the young

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Malignant melanoma in pediatric patients is rare but requires specific clinical and epidemiological understanding.
• Previous studies from this center have established a baseline for melanoma incidence and characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a cohort of pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
• To update findings with new cases and provide long-term follow-up data.
• To identify prognostic factors for malignant melanoma in young individuals.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 47 patients aged 21 years or under diagnosed with malignant melanoma between 1967 and 1993.
• Inclusion of 10 preadolescent cases (under 14 years).
• Data collection on lesion location, type, Clark level, thickness, ulceration, and association with congenital melanocytic nevi.

Main Results:

• Melanomas predominantly occurred on the trunk and extremities (89%), with a higher incidence on lower limbs in females.
• Superficial spreading melanoma was the most common type (83%), with 72% invading to Clark level III and IV.
• Tumor thickness ranged from 0.29 to 50.00 mm (median 1.20 mm); 17% showed ulceration.
• 32% of melanomas arose in congenital melanocytic nevi.
• Overall 5-year survival was 81% with a mean follow-up of 8.5 years.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric malignant melanoma, often superficial spreading type, commonly affects the trunk and extremities.
• Tumor thickness greater than 1.5 mm and the presence of ulceration are associated with a poorer prognosis.
• Early detection and management are crucial for improving survival rates in young melanoma patients.