Prevalence of nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines in relation to tobacco smoking.

Birgit Sadoghi,Erika Richtig,Anna Niederkorn,Peter Rohrer,Karin Schmid-Zalaudek,Iris Zalaudek,Regina Fink-Puches,Ingrid Wolf,Paula Boaventura

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0254772

Abstract

BackgroundMelanocytic nevi have a complex evolution influenced by several endogenous and exogenous factors and are known risk factors for malignant melanoma. Interestingly, tobacco use seems to be inversely associated with melanoma risk. However, the association between tobacco use and nevi and lentigines has not yet been evaluated.MethodsWe investigated the prevalence of nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines in relation to tobacco smoking in a cohort of 59 smokers and 60 age- and sex-matched nonsmokers, using a questionnaire and performing a total body skin examination by experts.ResultsNo significant differences were detected between smokers and nonsmokers in the numbers of nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines in sun-exposed areas (p = 0.966, 0.326, and 0.241, respectively) and in non-sun-exposed areas (p = 0.095, 0.351, and 0.546, respectively).ConclusionOur results revealed no significant differences in the prevalence of nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines between smokers and nonsmokers in sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed areas.

Highlights

The development of melanocytic nevi is complex and is influenced by constitutional and environmental factors
We investigated the prevalence of nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines in relation to tobacco smoking in a cohort of smokers and age- and sex-matched nonsmokers, using a questionnaire and performing a total body skin examination by experts
No significant differences were detected between smokers and nonsmokers in the numbers of nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines in sun-exposed areas (p = 0.966, 0.326, and 0.241, respectively) and in non-sun-exposed areas (p = 0.095, 0.351, and 0.546, respectively)

Summary

Background

Melanocytic nevi have a complex evolution influenced by several endogenous and exogenous factors and are known risk factors for malignant melanoma. Tobacco use seems to be inversely associated with melanoma risk. The association between tobacco use and nevi and lentigines has not yet been evaluated

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Study design and patients

Discussion