Malignant skin disease in children

Abstract

Cutaneous malignancies are rare in the pediatric patient, and their diagnosis should raise suspicion for an underlying predisposing condition. For some disorders, such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis, our understanding of etiopathogenic mechanisms and optimal therapy continues to evolve and is the focus of ongoing investigations. Major breakthroughs in genetic discoveries pertaining to some cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, have increased awareness of the role of genes in cell growth regulation, and opened doors to continued research into the clinical applicability of such revelations, including genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis, cancer surveillance, genetic counseling and gene therapy. Increased survival of childhood cancer patients and organ transplant recipients, a 20th century phenomenon, translates into increased numbers of immunosuppressed patients at greater risk for subsequent malignancies, including those of the skin. Attention to aggressive surveillance strategies and clinical diligence in the evaluation and therapy of such patients will be necessary for dermatologists to keep up with these evolving medical trends.