Melanoma In Adolescents Research Articles

Cutaneous Melanoma in Children and Adolescents: The Italian Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age Project Experience

To describe a series of cutaneous melanoma in children collected by the Italian Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age project. From 2000 to 2012, 54 patients younger than 18 years of age were prospectively registered and treated at 12 Italian pediatric centers on the basis of the same diagnostic/therapeutic recommendations and with the same forms to record clinical data. Considering the estimated annual incidence in Italy, the registered cases accounted for 30% of those expected in children and 10% of adolescents. Clinically, 47% of the tumors were amelanotic and 81% were raised, 39% of cases had tumor thickness >2 mm, and 36% had lymph node involvement. For the whole series, 5-year event-free survival and overall survival rates were 75.2% and 84.6%, respectively. Patient survival correlated with tumor stage and ulceration. No relapses were recorded for T1-2 (thickness <2 mm), N0, and stage 0-I-II cases. We suggest that the variables influencing survival in children with melanoma are the same as for adults, the clinical approach used in adults is feasible in children, and pediatric cases are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis but similar survival. New effective drugs are needed for advanced disease, and biological studies and international cooperative schemes are warranted.

Incidence of Childhood and Adolescent Melanoma in the United States: 1973–2009

Childhood and adolescent melanoma is rare but has been increasing. To gain insight into possible reasons underlying this observation, we analyzed trends in melanoma incidence diagnosed between the ages of 0 and 19 years among US whites by gender, stage, age at diagnosis, and primary site. We also investigated incidence trends by UV-B exposure levels. By using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program data (1973-2009), we calculated age-adjusted incidence rates (IRs), annual percent changes, and 95% confidence intervals for each category of interest. Incidence trends were also evaluated by using joinpoint and local regression models. SEER registries were categorized with respect to low or high UV-B radiation exposure. From 1973 through 2009, 1230 children of white race were diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Overall, pediatric melanoma increased by an average of 2% per year (95% confidence interval, 1.4%-2.7%). Girls, 15- to 19-year-olds, and individuals with low UV-B exposure had significantly higher IRs than boys, younger children, and those living in SEER registries categorized as high UV-B. Over the study period, boys experienced increased IRs for melanoma on the face and trunk, and females on the lower limbs and hip. The only decreased incidence trend we observed was among 15- to 19-year-olds in the high UV-B exposure group from 1985 through 2009. Local regression curves indicated similar patterns. These results may help elucidate possible risk factors for adolescent melanoma, but additional individual-level studies will be necessary to determine the reasons for increasing incidence trends.

Pediatrics Digest

Pediatrics Digest Summary| May 01 2013 Pediatrics Digest Pediatrics (2013) 131 (5): D1–D6. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.digest1315 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Pediatrics Digest. Pediatrics May 2013; 131 (5): D1–D6. 10.1542/peds.digest1315 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All PublicationsAll JournalsPediatricsHospital PediatricsPediatrics In ReviewNeoReviewsAAP Grand RoundsAAP NewsAll AAP Sites Search Advanced Search Topics: breast feeding, childhood obesity, food, hospitals, pediatric, infant, premature, infectious mononucleosis, medication errors, obesity, tracheostomy, warts Medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are some of the most widely used medications in children younger than 1 year. There are strong indications that GERD is overdiagnosed and overtreated. The factors that drive overtreatment of GERD are not well understood, but it has been proposed that the use of the GERD disease label could perpetuate use of medication. In this study we find evidence for this possibility. The incidence of childhood and adolescent melanoma has been significantly increasing up to 2004. Risk factors (fair skin, light-colored hair/eyes, female gender, presence of nevi, family history, increased number of sunburns, and exposure to UV radiation) are associated with melanoma. This study describes incidence trends of melanoma diagnosed between the ages of 0 and 19 years and from 1973 through 2009 by gender, stage and age at diagnosis, primary site, and exposure to UV radiation. Infant and neonatal mortality rates... You do not currently have access to this content.

Abstract 2530: Incidence trends of childhood and adolescent melanoma in the United States from 1973-2009.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Melanoma in children and adolescents is rare but, similar to adults, has been reported to be increasing. To gain insight into possible reasons underlying increased number of cases, we analyzed trends in melanoma incidence diagnosed between the ages of 0-19 years among United States whites by sex, stage, age at diagnosis, and primary site. We also investigated incidence trends by ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) exposure levels. METHODS: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program data (1973-2009), we calculated age-adjusted incidence rates, annual percent changes, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each category of interest. Incidence trends were also evaluated using joinpoint and loess regression models. SEER registries were categorized with respect to low or high UVB radiation exposure. RESULTS: From 1973-2009, 1,230 children of white race were diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Overall, pediatric melanoma increased by an average of 2% per year (95% CI, 1.4%-2.7%). Females, 15-19 year olds, and individuals with low UVB exposure had significantly higher incidence rates than males, younger children, and those living in SEER registries categorized as high UVB. Over the study period, males experienced increased incidence rates for melanoma on the face and trunk, and females on the lower limbs and hip. The only decreased incidence trend we observed was among 15-19 year olds in the high UVB exposure group from 1985-2009. Loess curves indicated similar patterns. CONCLUSIONS: These results may help elucidate possible risk factors for adolescent melanoma, but further individual-level studies will be necessary to determine the reasons for increasing incidence trends. Citation Format: Jeannette Wong, Jenine Harris, Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Kimberly Johnson. Incidence trends of childhood and adolescent melanoma in the United States from 1973-2009. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2530. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2530

Incidence of Childhood and Adolescent Melanoma in the United States: 1973-2009

Incidence of Childhood and Adolescent Melanoma in the United States: 1973-2009

Malignant melanoma in childhood and adolescence

Malignant melanoma in childhood and adolescence

Melanoma in adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39 years): United States, 1999-2006

Invasive melanoma of the skin is the third most common cancer diagnosed among adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) in the United States. Understanding the burden of melanoma in this age group is important to identifying areas for etiologic research and in developing effective prevention approaches aimed at reducing melanoma risk. Melanoma incidence data reported from 38 National Program of Cancer Registries and/or Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results statewide cancer registries covering nearly 67.2% of the US population were used to estimate age-adjusted incidence rates for persons 15-39 years of age. Incidence rate ratios were calculated to compare rates between demographic groups. Melanoma incidence was higher among females (age-adjusted incidence rates = 9.74; 95% confidence interval 9.62-9.86) compared with males (age-adjusted incidence rates = 5.77; 95% confidence interval 5.68-5.86), increased with age, and was higher in non-Hispanic white compared with Hispanic white and black, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and Asian and Pacific Islanders populations. Melanoma incidence rates increased with year of diagnosis in females but not males. The majority of melanomas were diagnosed on the trunk in all racial and ethnic groups among males but only in non-Hispanic whites among females. Most melanomas were diagnosed at localized stage, and among those melanomas with known histology, the majority were superficial spreading. Accuracy of melanoma cases reporting was limited because of some incompleteness (delayed reporting) or nonspecific reporting including large proportion of unspecified histology. Differences in incidence rates by anatomic site, histology, and stage among adolescents and young adults by race, ethnicity, and sex suggest that both host characteristics and behaviors influence risk. These data suggest areas for etiologic research around gene-environment interactions and the need for targeted cancer control activities specific to adolescents and young adult populations.

Use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in children and adolescents

Though sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an integral component of melanoma staging, little is known about its use in children. Patients (0-18 years) with melanoma diagnosed from 2003 to 2007 in the National Cancer Data Base were assessed. Logistic regression models were used to identify clinicopathologic, socioeconomic, and hospital factors associated with SLNB use and lymph node metastases (LNM). Of 671 children, 68.7% underwent SLNB. SLNB utilization rates were 39.9% for T1a patients and 87.6% for T1b-T3 patients. T1b-T3 patients were more likely to undergo SLNB if they were older (OR 4.86 95% CI: 1.88-12.59) or cared for at Children's hospitals (OR 2.43 95% CI: 1.09-5.40). T1b-T3 patients were less likely to undergo SLNB if uninsured (OR 0.25 95% CI: 0.08-0.76). Of those with SLNB, 118 (25.6%) had pathologically confirmed LNM. Patients were more likely to have LNM if younger (OR 3.19 95% CI: 1.20-8.51) or having higher T stage (OR 10.38 95% CI: 4.59-23.47). SLNB use for children with melanoma was associated with clinicopathologic, socioeconomic, and hospital factors. Younger patients have a higher likelihood of LNM but are the least likely to undergo SLNB. Though overall adherence appears high, there remains an opportunity for improved care for children with melanoma.

Prognostic factors for melanoma in children and adolescents

Cutaneous melanoma in childhood is rare; therefore, its prognostic factors and biologic behavior and the effectiveness of adjuvant diagnostic techniques in this group remain mostly unknown. The authors conducted a retrospective, observational study on the prognostic significance of clinical and pathologic findings from 137 cutaneous and mucosal melanomas in patients aged <18 years that were reviewed by the pathology department of a large cancer center during the period from 1992 to 2006. Univariate analysis indicated that there was a significantly greater risk of metastases for patients who had previous nonmelanocytic malignancies, nodular histologic type, fusiform or spitzoid cytology, high Breslow thickness, vertical growth phase, high dermal mitotic activity, ulceration, and vascular invasion. Adjacent nevus and radial growth phase were associated with a better prognosis. Twelve patients (10.3%) died during follow-up. Decreased overall survival was related significantly to age >10 years, previous nonmelanocytic malignancy, high Breslow thickness, high Clark level, and the presence of metastases at diagnosis. All patients who died were aged ≥ 11 years, and 8 of those patients had metastases at diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, higher Breslow thickness predicted an increased risk of metastases, whereas age >10 years and the presence of metastases at diagnosis were associated with decreased survival. Similar to adults, the detection of metastases at diagnosis in children with melanoma was 1 of the main factors that influenced overall survival. Melanomas that were detected in children aged <11 years appeared to have a less aggressive behavior than those detected in adults.

Anorectal melanoma in childhood and adolescence

The mucosal surfaces represent the third most common site of origin for melanoma, after the skin and ocular uveal tract. However, anorectal mucosal melanoma is a rare neoplasm, usually occurring in the sixth and seventh decades of life. It may often be confused clinically with other pathologic entities, such as prolapsed rectal polyps and hemorrhoids. The prognosis of anorectal melanoma is poor; this is at least in part attributable to the relatively large size that such tumors have frequently achieved at presentation, as well as their rich vascular network. In particular, anorectal melanoma in children and adolescents is extraordinarily uncommon. The authors herein report 2 examples of that tumor in 11-year-old and 19-year-old patients; one was alive and tumor-free after 6 years, whereas the other died with osseous and hepatic metastasis at the same time point. The authors emphasize the need for differential diagnostic inclusion of melanocytic malignancies when considering anorectal masses in pediatric individuals. Systematic collation and evaluation of pediatric melanomas of the anus and rectum are needed, to better define the biologic attributes of those neoplasms.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Pediatric and Adolescent Cutaneous Melanoma Patients

The rarity of melanoma in young patients, particularly pediatric ones, has to date precluded any valid comparisons being made between young patients and adults undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for intermediate thickness localized melanoma. The present study takes advantage of the large Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) database to clarify this issue. Clinical and pathologic data on pediatric and adolescent AJCC Stage I and II cutaneous melanoma patients aged <20 years undergoing SLNB at the SMU between January 1993 and February 2008 were reviewed. SLNB positivity rates and outcomes in these patients were compared with adult SMU patients. In 55 young patients, overall median tumor thickness was 1.7 mm (range, 0.6-5.2 mm) and overall SLNB positivity rate was 14 of 55 (25%), tumors tending to be thicker (median, 2.6 mm), and SLNB positivity rate higher (2 of 6; 33%) in patients aged <10 years. Of the 14 patients, 13 underwent immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND); 2 patients had non-SLN metastases (15.4%). Only 0.7% of a total of 295 lymph nodes removed at CLND were involved with melanoma. In 14 SLNB-positive patients with follow-up data, 3 (21%) have died from melanoma after a median follow-up of 60 months, compared with 42% of 356 SLNB positive adults. Although the SLNB positivity rate was higher in pediatric and adolescent melanoma patients than in adults (25% vs. 17%, respectively), non-SLN positivity and melanoma-specific death rates were low.

Thin Primary Cutaneous Melanoma in Childhood and Adolescence: Report of 12 Cases

Approximately, 1-4% of all new melanoma cases occur in patients younger than 20 years. The clinical presentation of melanoma in the young is often challenging. We report the experience of the Melanoma Unit of University Hospital Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy. Study subjects were drawn from 1470 patients with histologically confirmed melanoma. From this group, melanoma developed in 12 patients younger than 19 years. For each melanoma diagnosed, histologic characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. Of the 12 patients described in this study, four were men and eight were women. The average age was 15.6 years ranging from 11 to 18 years. Regarding invasive melanomas, Breslow thickness ranged from 0.15 to 0.66 mm with a mean thickness of 0.36 mm. Primary treatment of 12 patients included wide local excision of their primary lesions. In many cases reported in literature lesions are amelanotic, nodular, and resemble pyogenic granuloma. From our case studies it was found that the clinical characteristics detected in melanomas diagnosed in childhood and adolescence have been the same as those described in adults and that the ABCDE clinical criteria may be helpful basics of melanoma.

Melanoma in children and adolescents

Despite its overall rarity, the incidence of melanoma in childhood and adolescence (i.e. before the age of 18 years, appears to have increased significantly over the past decades). This has particularly affected post-pubertal children and adolescents, while melanoma in pre-pubertal children remains exceptional. Whites are predominantly affected and there appears to be a slight female predilection. Sun sensitivity as well as excess sun exposure appear to be major aetiological factors, and the presence of multiple naevi, including dysplastic naevi, and a positive family history for melanoma incurs an increased risk. Other important but rare associations include xeroderma pigmentosum, immunosuppression, radiation and a genetic predisposition. Due to the rarity of the disease and its frequently unusual presenting features, the diagnosis of melanoma in children is often challenging, resulting in a potential delay of treatment. The histological spectrum of childhood melanomas is wide, and firm diagnostic criteria are difficult to establish. Tumours in young children and those showing ‘Spitzoid’ morphology in particular pose a diagnostic dilemma. Awareness of the entity and its presenting features is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Caution is however warranted before rendering a definitive diagnosis of melanoma in childhood with all its associated implications.

Melanoma in children and adolescents

Melanoma is rarely described in the pediatric population. However, recent studies show that the incidence may be increasing. The diagnosis of melanoma presents unique challenges in this age group. There may be predisposing factors that affect children more than adults. A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to make a timely diagnosis. Prompt surgical treatment by individuals with expertise in care of patients with melanoma with potentially curative excision and appropriate lymph node evaluation is important to optimize survival. Careful review of all specimens by an experienced dermatopathologist is important. Through cooperation with adult trials and potential inclusion of pediatric patients in evaluations of new therapies, further progress against this disease can hopefully be addressed in all age groups.

Assessment of value of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma in children and adolescents and applicability of subcutaneous infusion anesthesia

Background/Purpose The management of pediatric melanoma is controversial but equates that of adults. Lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is proposed as standard of care for patients with primary melanoma. The operation can be done with general or local anesthesia in adults. The goal of this study was to determine the applicability of subcutaneous infusion anesthesia (SIA) for SLN biopsy in children and adolescents, as well as to assess complications of this procedure and to document outcome of patients with melanoma in this particular age group after SLN biopsy. Methods Charts of patients with melanomas on the trunk and extremities who underwent lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy in SIA between November 2000 and January 2006 revealed 13 patients with age 21 years or less. Tumescent solutions with lidocaine (0.2%) were used for SLN biopsy. Patient demographics, tumor thickness, Clark level, location of primary melanoma, ulceration, number of SLNs, number of positive nodes, and follow-up of patients were included. Results In 13 patients (age range, 12-21), SLN biopsy was performed. Mean tumor thickness was 1.8 mm (range, 1.0-7.0), none of these melanomas showed ulceration. The operation was tolerated in SIA by all patients; none had any associated complications. Of 13 patients, 5 (38.5%) had positive sentinel nodes. Three patients underwent completion lymph node dissection, and no further positive nodes were found. After a mean follow-up of 29.2 months (range, 13-68), all patients were found disease-free. Conclusions Sentinel lymph node biopsy in SIA can safely be performed in children and adolescents with primary melanomas. Further studies are necessary to determine the prognostic information and therapeutic implications of SLN biopsy in this patient group.

Maligne Melanome bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

According to data from the literature and to new data from the German central registry for malignant melanomas from the German Society of Dermatology, a summary is given about the occurrence of malignant melanoma in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. During the first 10 years of life the occurrence of a melanoma is extremely rare, but slowly increases after the first decade. Several studies have shown that young people often have amelanotic tumors resembling pyogenic granuloma. This correlates with a histopathological high number of nodular melanomas in this age group. A reason might be a delay in the clinical diagnosis of malignant melanoma in children and young adults. Clinical and histopathological examples of melanoma in young people are demonstrated. Pitfalls in differential diagnosis and simulators of malignant melanoma are described and illustrated by examples of a medium sized congenital nevus with extensive intraepithelial spread of single melanocytes resembling a superficial spreading melanoma and by a compound nevus in association with a lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.

Pigmented lesions in children: when to worry

Although the incidence of melanoma in adolescents and adults has risen dramatically in the past few decades, childhood melanoma remains uncommon. It is therefore important for pediatricians to be aware of the natural history and clinical spectrum of melanocytic nevi in children as well as potentially worrisome features of pigmented lesions. Recent studies have provided insight into the development, evolution and molecular bases of acquired and congenital melanocytic nevi during childhood. This review summarizes the types of melanocytic nevi that are commonly observed in children, environmental (e.g. sun exposure) and genetic (e.g. the familial atypical mole and melanoma syndrome) factors that can contribute to the development of nevi and future risk of melanoma, and phenotypic markers (e.g. numerous acquired nevi or the 'red hair phenotype') that signal the need for periodic total-body cutaneous examinations. Current concepts of the risks associated with congenital melanocytic nevi of different sizes and strategies for the management of various types of nevi (including congenital, blue and Spitz nevi) are presented, and data on the clinical presentations and biologic behavior of prepubertal melanoma are discussed. Clinical and molecular investigations have helped to better understand the characteristics of melanocytic nevi and define pathways of melanocytic tumorigenesis.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma in children and adolescents in Sweden, 1993–2002: The increasing trend is broken

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma rose rapidly in teenagers in Sweden during 1973-1992, while it remained low in younger children. To study the further trends and characteristics of melanoma in this young population, data on all cases in individuals under 20 years of age reported to the Swedish Cancer Registry during 1993-2002, and the corresponding pathology reports were examined. Seventy-nine cases were reported to the Registry. There were 24 males and 55 females. Most melanomas occurred on the trunk followed by the legs in both genders. The median tumor thickness was 0.8 mm. Children under age 15 had thicker melanomas than individuals aged 15-19. Superficial spreading melanoma was the most common histological subtype (43/78, 55%). The melanoma-specific 5-year survival rate was 90%. During 1993-2002, the age-standardized incidence fell to 3.6/million from 5.0/million in 1983-1992 (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.92). The most pronounced decrease was for melanomas on the trunk in boys and on the legs in girls. The incidence for 15-19-year-old boys peaked for the cohort born between 1968 and 1972 and for girls between 1973 and 1977. The decrease in incidence may be a result of public health campaigns aiming at reducing sun exposure in childhood. A contributing effect from an increased immigration of individuals with darker complexions and at a lower melanoma risk is probable.

Melanoma in Children

Melanoma is rare in children, but its incidence appears to be rising. A recent report based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database confirms an increased incidence of approximately 2.9% per year in children from 1973 to 2001. Melanoma in adolescents also appears to be rising, not only in the U.S. but in Sweden too. The National Cancer Data Base collects data on incident cancer …

Adolescent melanoma: Risk factors and long term survival

AimsTo report the adolescent melanomas with focus on differences in clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in comparison with adults. MethodsA single institution retrospective study in which 49 adolescent patients were compared to an adult group of 972 patients. The 10-year DFS, 10-year OS and prognostic factors were calculated for both groups. ResultsThe median age for the adolescent patients was 17 (range 12–19) years and 49 (range 20–93) years for the adult patients. Median follow-up time was 92 (range 4–366) months. Adolescent patients presented more often with locally advanced melanoma (p<0.01). The median Breslow thickness was 1.6 vs 2.0mm for the adults (p=0.075). Increasing age, ulceration, Breslow thickness, tumour location, male gender and stage at diagnosis were calculated to be negative prognostic factors for the adult group. In the adolescent group, only the stage at diagnosis was a significant negative predictor. The 10-year DFS and OS for the adolescent patients and adult group were not significantly different regarding AJCC stages I–III. ConclusionAlthough adolescent patients presented more often with locally advanced disease, there are no significant differences in the 10-year DFS and OS between adolescent and adult patients. In our series, we could not confirm the prognostic factors found in the adult group for the adolescent patients, except for the stage at diagnosis.