Body distribution and density of acquired melanocytic nevi in adolescents of low socioeconomic status of Santiago, Chile

Abstract

There is an increase in the incidence of malignant melanoma in Chile. Previous studies have shown that the density and size of acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) are a risk factor for developing malignant melanoma. To assess the number and anatomical distribution of acquired melanocytic nevi in Chilean adolescents. The number of AMN was counted in 30 anatomical sites in 201 Chilean school children (111 females), aged from 11 to 15 years. The number of small AMN (2-4.9 mm) and large AMN (>5 mm of diameter) was determined. Mean AMN number per person was 32.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 30.7-42.3) in males and 29 (95% CI 271-38.6) in females (p =NS). Males had a higher number of AMN in the face, neck and trunk. Females had a higher number of AMN in the upper and lower limbs. Older children, adolescents with history of sunburns and with lighter skin had a higher number of total, small and large nevi. The average number of AMN found in this study is similar to that reported in the literature. The differences in site distribution between males and females may be explained by a different sun exposure pattern.