Melanoma in children and adolescents

Melanoma in Special Populations: Pediatrics, Elders, Pregnant Women

Melanomas in special populations constitute a unique challenge. Pediatric melanomas present with atypical histopathological features, and the most common subtypes include congenital nevi-associated, Spitzoid, and conventional melanomas. Although they present in more advanced stages than in adults, pediatric melanomas show better prognosis. In the elderly, melanomas are common and often more aggressive than in younger adults, contributing to poorer outcomes and lower survival rates. Pregnancy-associated melanomas (PAMs) do not present with a worse prognosis than all other melanomas. PAM management involves balancing maternal and fetal safety and tailoring surgical treatment according to pregnancy timeline and tumor stage.

Pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes involving non-central nervous system solid pediatric tumors: a review on their manifestations with a focus on histopathology

Germline genetic alterations and their associated cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) are an important cause of pediatric cancer. Early recognition is of great importance for targeted surveillance, early detection, and prompt (personalized) therapeutic interventions. This review provides an overview of non-central nervous system solid pediatric tumor types, in relation to their associated CPS, with an emphasis on their histology. It serves as a guide for (pediatric) pathologists to increase their awareness of histological clues that suggest a CPS and warrant referral to the clinical geneticist.

Childhood and adolescent melanoma: An update

Pediatric melanoma is a rare but clinically significant public health concern, as it accounts for 7% of all malignancies in adolescents aged 15 to 19. Given the overall rarity of pediatric melanoma, especially in preadolescents, patients can go undetected, leading to a delay in treatment. We divide pediatric melanoma subtypes into three distinct age ranges-infantile, preadolescent, and adolescent-and distinguish the clinical features, prognosis, and associated risk factors of each age range. We next summarize the three predominant melanoma subtypes-Spitzoid melanoma, congenital melanocytic nevus-associated melanoma, and conventional (adult-type) melanoma-and provide distinguishing clinical, histologic, and genetic features from their difficult-to-differentiate benign counterparts. We conclude by reviewing consensus guidelines for pediatric melanoma staging and treatment, with a special emphasis on outlining barriers to adapting the advancements in targeted therapeutics into the standard care of pediatric melanoma.

Risk factors and outcomes of melanoma in children and adolescents: A retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Pediatric melanoma presents with distinct clinical features compared to adult disease.

OBJECTIVE

Characterize risk factors and negative outcomes in pediatric melanoma.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study of patients under 20 years diagnosed with melanoma between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 2015 from 11 academic medical centers.

RESULTS

Melanoma was diagnosed in 317 patients, 73% of whom were diagnosed in adolescence (age ≥11). Spitzoid (31%) and superficial spreading (26%) subtypes were most common and 11% of cases arose from congenital nevi. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 68% of cases and positive in 46%. Fatality was observed in 7% of cases. Adolescent patients with melanoma were more likely to have family history of melanoma (P = .046) compared to controls.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective nature, cohort size, control selection, and potential referral bias.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric melanoma has diverse clinical presentations. Better understanding of these cases and outcomes may facilitate improved risk stratification of pediatric melanoma.

Regional lymph node evaluation in pediatric conventional melanoma subtype: a single-center 10-year review

PURPOSE

To assess the prognostic and therapeutic significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in pediatric conventional melanoma (CM), while evaluating potential predictive factors for outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records spanning 2009-2020, focusing on patients aged 18 or younger with localized cutaneous conventional melanoma.

RESULTS

Among the 33 patients, SLNB detected metastasis in 57.6% of cases, with 52.6% undergoing CLND. Positive SLN patients had higher relapse risk (HR 5.92; 95% CI 1.27-27.7; P = 0.024) but similar overall survival (HR 3.19; 95% CI 0.31-33.1, P = 0.33). No significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and OS were found between patients who underwent CLND and those who did not (HR 1.91; 95% CI 0.49-7.43, P = 0.35, and HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.03-8.32, P = 0.64, respectively). Univariate analysis showed age at diagnosis (P = 0.02) correlated with higher recurrence risk, with a 21% hazard increase per additional year of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive SLN status and age at diagnosis were associated with worse DFS in CM patients. Our study did not find any prognostic or therapeutic value in CLND for pediatric melanoma. Further multicenter trials are needed to confirm our single-institution experience.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Rapid disease progression on immune checkpoint inhibitors in young patients with stage IV melanoma

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the standard of care for metastatic cutaneous melanoma (mCM) patients, but their efficacy in young adults aged less than 40 years remains unclear.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 303 stage IV melanoma patients of different ages treated with nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or ipilimumab plus nivolumab combination therapy. Clinical data and blood values such as LDH, CRP, and absolute immune cell counts were retrieved from the medical records. Pre-treatment serum concentrations of soluble immune checkpoint proteins were measured using ELISA. In addition, information on frequencies of various T cell subsets in the peripheral blood was collected from a previously reported study (ELEKTRA). Patient characteristics and clinical information was correlated with PFS and OS using univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis.

Results

Of 303 patients, 33 (11%) were ≤ 40 years old. The older patients had a median age of 64 (95% CI: 61-66). Concerning prognostic parameters, there was no difference between the age groups, e.g., in gender, LDH, or the existence of brain or liver metastases. Patients aged ≤ 40 years [p = 0.014; HR: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.4)], presence of liver metastases [p = 0.016; HR: 1.4 (95% CI: 1.0-1.9)], line of ICI treatment [p = 0.009; HR: 1.4 (1.0-1.9)], elevated LDH [p = 0.076; HR: 1.3 (95% CI: 0.97-1.8)], and brain metastasis [p = 0.080; HR: 1.3 (95% CI: 0.97-1.7)], were associated with shorter PFS in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that the patient's age (≤ 40 years) remains a high-risk factor upon adjusting for all potential confounders [p = 0.067; HR: 1.5 (95% CI: 0.97-2.3)]. Blood parameters revealed that patients ≤ 40 years have relatively higher frequencies of activated CD4 T cells (CD4 + Ki67 + CD4 + ICOS +) in the blood, and significantly lower number of basophils and CD45RA- memory T cells, compared to patients above 40 years (p < 0.05). In addition, patients ≤ 40 years experiencing disease progression within 6 months of ICI treatment had increased concentrations of sPDL1 (p = 0.05) and sTIM3 (p = 0.054) at baseline.

Conclusion

Young patients with stage IV melanoma may experience shorter progression-free survival upon ICI treatment compared to patients above 40 years and are characterized by fewer basophils and memory T cells in the blood.

Immunotherapy in Adolescents and Young Adults: What Remains in Cancer Survivors?

Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of treatments for advanced disease in multiple neoplasms. More and more patients are long survivors from a metastatic disease. Most recently, the extension of indications and evidence of efficacy in early disease settings, such as the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting in breast cancer, lung cancer, glioma, and gastric cancer, places more attention on what happens to patients who survive cancer. In particular, we evaluated what happens in young patients, a population in whom some immune-related effects are still poorly described. Immunotherapy is already a reality in early disease settings and the scientific community is lagging in describing what to expect in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. For instance, the impact of these therapies on female and male fertility is not clear, similarly to the interaction that may occur between these drugs and pregnancy. This review aims to highlight these little-known topics that are difficult to evaluate in ad hoc studies.

Melanoma in Pregnancy and Pediatrics

Rare variants of melanoma include melanoma in pregnancy and pediatric melanoma. Because of their low incidence, treatment recommendations are based on standards of treatment for cutaneous melanoma; however, each of these forms requires specific considerations during diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

THE demographics and trends in pediatric melanoma in the United States: An analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Relative to adults, rates of melanoma are lower in children. Due to its rarity, it is difficult to assess the incidence, trends, and outcomes of this malignancy. Much of our understanding comes from single institution or regional cancer registries which may not be large enough to detect subtleties in the burden of pediatric melanoma.

METHODS

Data from the 2004 to 2016 National Cancer Database were analyzed; this database captures approximately 70% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States.

RESULTS

Our analysis consisted of 1903 cases. A majority were White (89.8%), the mean age was 12.4 years, and the ratio of females: males was 1.2:1.0. The most common anatomic location was the trunk (31.1%). Between 2004 and 2016, a decreasing trend in the number of new melanoma cases was observed. Comparing histologic subtype by age, there was an increased percentage of nodular and epithelioid and spindle cell tumors in the pre-teen children and a greater percentage of superficial spreading tumors in teenagers. Overall, a majority of cases were stage 0 or I (56.9%), with relatively few stage IV cases (2.0%). A 5-year all-cause survival of greater than 90% was observed for stage I-III tumors, with stage IV tumors having a 5-year all-cause survival of 34.4%.

CONCLUSION

Comparable to previous studies, pediatric melanoma occurred most often in Whites, females, and adolescents. However, we detected a decreasing trend in new cases, noted differences between histologic subtype and age, and observed a 5-year all-cause survival rate of greater than 90% for stage I-III tumors.

Malignant Melanoma in Children and Adolescents Treated in Pediatric Oncology Centers: An Australian and New Zealand Children's Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) Study

OBJECTIVES

Unlike adults, malignant melanoma in children and adolescents is rare. In adult melanoma, significant progress in understanding tumor biology and new treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy have markedly improved overall survival. In sharp contrast, there is a paucity of data on the biology and clinical behavior of pediatric melanoma. We report a national case series of all pediatric and adolescent malignant melanoma presenting to ANZCHOG Childhood Cancer Centers in Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive, multi-center study was undertaken to identify patients less than 18 years of age treated for cutaneous malignant melanoma over a twenty-year period (1994 to 2014). Data on clinical characteristics, histopathology, and extent of disease, treatment and follow-up are described.

RESULTS

A total of 37 cases of malignant melanoma were identified from all of the Australasian tertiary Childhood Cancer Centers. The median age was 10 years (range 1 month - 17 years). Clinically, the most common type of lesion was pigmented, occurring in sixteen (57%) patients, whilst amelanotic was seen in 7 patients (25%). In 11 (27.9%) the Breslow thickness was greater than 4mm. A total of 11 (29.7%) patients relapsed and 90% of these died of disease. Five-year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival were 63.2 (95% CI: 40.6 - 79.1) and 67.7% (95% CI: 45.1 - 82.6) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirms that melanoma is a rare presentation of cancer to tertiary Australasian Childhood Cancer Centers with only 37 cases identified over two decades. Notably, melanoma managed in Childhood Cancer Centers is frequently at an advanced stage, with a high percentage of patients relapsing and the majority of these patients who relapsed died of disease. This study confirms previous clinical and prognostic information to support the early multidisciplinary management in Childhood Cancer Centers, in conjunction with expert adult melanoma centers, of this rare and challenging patient group.

Pediatric Melanoma-Diagnosis, Management, and Anticipated Outcomes

Melanoma is the most common skin cancer in children, often presenting in an atypical fashion. The incidence of melanoma in children has been declining. The mainstay of therapy is surgical resection. Sentinel lymph node biopsy often is indicated to guide therapy and determine prognosis. Completion lymph node dissection is recommended in selective cases after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. Those with advanced disease receive adjuvant systemic treatment. Because children are excluded from melanoma clinical trials, management is based on pediatric retrospective data and adult clinical trials. This review focuses on epidemiology, presentation, surgical management, adjuvant therapy, and outcomes of pediatric melanoma.

A Clinicoepidemiological Study of Melanoma in Young Patients (20 Years of Age or Less) in Alberta, Canada, From 1992 to 2011

The epidemiological trends of malignant melanoma have been well described in the literature. However, there remains a paucity of population-based studies assessing melanoma epidemiology in our younger patients (20 years of age or less). Other studies indicate that melanoma incidence has risen in pediatric populations over the last several decades and that these tumors may display different clinical characteristics from those arising in adult populations. We conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis of all incident cases of melanoma occurring in young patients aged ≤20 years in Alberta from 1992 to 2011. Information, including patient age, sex, anatomical location, date of diagnosis, histological subtype (if available), level of invasion, and date of death (if applicable), was obtained from the Alberta Cancer Registry. All cases occurring during a 10-year period from 1993 to 2011 have been reviewed. A total of 71 cases were diagnosed during this time (63% female and 37% male). Age range was 0-20 years (mean of 17.5 years). Truncal melanomas made up 36% of cases, while 28% occurred on the lower limbs, 17% on the upper limbs, and 18% in the head and neck region. Average Breslow thickness was 1.97 mm; 67% of tumors were less than 1 mm thick. Unfortunately, 8 of 71 patients died from their disease. Overall, the incidence of melanoma in patients aged ≤20 years appeared to decrease in Alberta in the past 20 years; however, there has been an increase in the thickness of melanoma at diagnosis, which needs to be addressed.

Intraoral atypical lentiginous melanocytic lesion in a pediatric patient

We present a rare case of intraoral atypical lentiginous melanocytic lesion affecting a pediatric patient, in which the diagnosis of lentiginous junctional melanocytic nevus with cytologic atypia was favored. The main differential diagnosis is lentiginous melanoma, which is a slowly progressing lesion, affecting mainly older adults, and microscopically presenting lentiginous growth pattern of moderately atypical melanocytes, with focal nesting and pagetoid spread. It is strongly recommended that melanocytic lesions showing features of atypical lentiginous growth pattern should be treated with wide excision; however, the impact of these guidelines on pediatric patients needs to be better defined with the report of further cases.

Pediatric vulvar malignancies: rare but important to know

Malignancies of the vulva in the pediatric population are exceptionally rare, which makes it difficult to gain any insight into their clinicopathologic profile. In this review, we summarize all published cases of a vulva malignancy in pediatric patients (≤21 years) reported in the English language literature for the 50-year period between 1970 and 2020. We estimate that less than 100 malignancies have been reported in total, approximately 50% of which were rhabdomyosarcomas. Invasive squamous cell carcinomas, yolk sac tumors, Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/PNET) and melanomas each represented approximately 10% of reported cases. For rhabdomyosarcoma, the alveolar and embryonal subtypes were reported with equal frequency, with both representing 70% of cases combined. The average patient age was 9.8 years. 48% and 35% were Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study clinical groupings I and III respectively. Managements were generally multimodal, and overall outcomes for the group were favorable. For invasive squamous cell carcinoma, the patients were all in their teenage years, with an average age at diagnosis of 15.2 years. A small subset of cases were associated with human papillomavirus and immunosuppression, and it is possible that immunosuppression has a role in vulvar squamous carcinogenesis in this population. One case was associated with lichen sclerosus. The patients with yolk sac tumors ranged in age from less than 1 year to 20 years (mean 12) and 67% of cases were stage I at presentation. An insufficient number of cases have been reported to define their prognosis, although some cases were notably aggressive. The few reported cases of melanoma are distinctive only because they were all associated with lichen sclerosus, suggestive of some role for the latter in their pathogenesis. The average age of patients reported with ES/PNET was 15 years (range 3.3 to 20). At least half of the reported cases were advanced stage at presentation, and patient outcomes were notably poor: 62.5% were dead of disease at follow-up. Pediatric vulvar malignancies are rare and are mostly comprised of 5 entities. Their accurate pathologic classification is necessary to facilitate optimal management.

What's new in pediatric melanoma: An update from the APSA cancer committee

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Melanoma is the most common skin cancer in children and often presents in an atypical fashion when compared to adults. The purpose of this review is to present an update on the epidemiology, surgical and medical management and prevention strategies in pediatric melanoma.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the current literature on the epidemiology, surgical and medical management and prevention of adult and pediatric melanoma was performed by the authors and the results of this review are summarized in the manuscript.

RESULTS

Most recently, the incidence of melanoma in children has been declining, possibly owing to increased awareness and sun exposure prevention. The mainstay of therapy is surgical resection, often with sentinel lymph node biopsy. A positive sentinel node has prognostic value; however, completion node dissection is no longer recommended in the absence of clinically or radiographically positive nodes. Those with advanced disease also receive adjuvant systemic therapy using increasingly targeted immunologic therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Sentinel lymph node positive patients no longer require completion lymph node dissection and instead may be followed by ultrasound. However, it is important to note that children have been excluded from most melanoma clinical trials to date, and therefore, recommendations for management are based on existing pediatric retrospective data and extrapolation from adult studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Trends in pediatric skin cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To inform pediatric providers of the clinical characteristics, underlying genetic drivers, and therapeutic options for skin cancer arising in childhood and adolescence.

RECENT FINDINGS

The incidence of melanoma in pediatric patients has been declining in the past decades. Pediatric-specific diagnostic criteria should be utilized when assessing lesions concerning for melanoma to better account for the different presentations seen in pediatric disease compared with adults, such as an increased prevalence of amelanotic melanoma or frequent mimic of benign pediatric lesions. Pediatric melanoma often presents with a higher histopathologic stage and a higher Breslow depth as compared with adult melanoma. Pediatric nonmelanoma skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are associated with genetic conditions and immunosuppression, both iatrogenic and inherited.

SUMMARY

Melanoma in pediatric patients often presents differently from conventional adult melanoma, including Spitz melanoma and melanoma associated with congenital melanocytic nevi. Pediatric patients with nonmelanoma skin cancers should be evaluated for predisposing risk factors. More research on therapeutic options for pediatric skin cancer is vital to understanding the tolerance and response of our pediatric patients to therapies that are more frequently utilized in adult disease.

Malignant melanoma in a child with giant congenital melanocytic nevus and satellite flekers: A rare entity

Malignant melanomas in the pediatric age are remarkably rare representing 0.9% of various pediatric malignancies. Congenital nevi occur in 1 in 100 newborns, whereas giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) measuring more than 20 cm is seen in 1 in 20 000 cases. Very few cases of malignant melanoma arising from GCMN have been described in English literature. The risk of developing malignant melanoma from GCMN is believed to be directly proportional to the size of the nevus and varies from 2.6% to 20% depending on the size of nevus. We present a case of malignant melanoma in a 12-year-old female child who had a congenital giant nevus and multiple satellite flekers all over the body.

Survival Differences Between Pediatric Head and Neck Versus Body Melanoma in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To review the demographics, treatment, and survival of pediatric melanoma of the head and neck and to determine if melanoma of the head and neck has worse survival than melanoma of other body sites.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database review.

METHODS

Pediatric patients from 0 to 21 years in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 registries database were included from 1975 to 2016 based on a diagnosis of melanoma of the skin using the primary site International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition codes from C44.0-C44.9.skin of lip, C44.1-eyelid, C44.2-external ear, C44.3-skin other/unspecified parts of face, C44.4-skin of scalp and neck, C44.5-skin of trunk, C44.6-skin of upper limb and shoulder, C44.7-skin of lower limb and hip, C44.8-overlapping lesion of skin, and C44.9-skin, NOS (not otherwise specified).

RESULTS

A total of 4,561 pediatric melanomas of the skin were identified. There were 854 (18.7%) cases of melanoma of the head and neck (MHN) and 3,707 (81.3%) cases of melanoma of the body (MOB). The hazard ratio for MHN versus MOB was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.3-2.1) after accounting for sex, race, and age. Of MHN sites, the hazard ratio for melanoma of the scalp and neck was 2.2 (1.1-4.7). The 2- and 5-year Kaplan-Meier overall survival for MHN were 94.6% and 90.7%, respectively, compared with 96.6% and 94.7%, respectively, for MOB (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival outcomes of pediatric melanoma are notably related to anatomic site. Children with melanoma of the scalp and neck have the worst survival of all sites. Additionally, children who are older/white/male are at greater risk for worse survival outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E635-E641, 2021.

Imaging of pediatric cutaneous melanoma

Melanoma accounts for 7% of all cancers in adolescents ages 15-19 years but is an unexpected malignancy in younger children. The prevalence of malignant melanoma is very rare in children ages 1-4 years, but certain non-modifiable risk factors such as xeroderma pigmentosum, congenital melanocytic nevus syndrome and other inherited traits increase the risk for its development in these young children. Recent genomic studies have identified characteristics of pediatric melanoma that differ from conventional melanoma seen in adults. In this review the authors inform on the types of melanoma seen in children and adolescents, discuss similarities and differences in melanoma between children and adults, and discuss the role of imaging in the care of these children.

Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Biology

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer have not attained the same improvements in overall survival as either younger children or older adults. One possible reason for this disparity may be that the AYA cancers exhibit unique biologic characteristics, resulting in differences in clinical and treatment resistance behaviors. Our current understanding of the unique biological/genomic characteristics of AYA cancers is limited. However, there has been some progress that has provided clues about the biology of AYA cancers. We here review the latest findings in the area of AYA cancer biology and discuss what is required to advance the field for the more effective treatment of this patient population.

Paediatric melanoma: clinical update, genetic basis, and advances in diagnosis

Paediatric melanoma is rare and challenging to diagnose. The three subtypes are Spitzoid melanoma, melanoma arising in a congenital melanocytic nevus, and conventional (also known as adult-type) melanoma. Spitzoid melanomas have characteristic histopathological and genomic aberrations. Despite frequent involvement of the sentinel lymph nodes, most cases have an uneventful clinical course. Among congenital nevi, the risk of melanoma varies by projected size in adulthood, with the greatest risk in large or giant nevi. The clinical course is generally aggressive and accounts for most melanoma-related deaths in childhood. In conventional melanoma, superficial spreading and nodular melanoma account for most cases, with risk factors and presentation largely similar to adult disease. In this Review, we discuss advances in histological diagnosis using adjunctive molecular assays, and summarise the genetic basis of paediatric melanoma.

An 18-year Study of Malignant Melanoma in Childhood and Adolescence

Malignant melanoma is rare in childhood and adolescence. Diagnostic uncertainty and misdiagnosis often lead to delayed treatment.

Paediatric malignant melanoma in Ireland: A population study and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Malignant melanoma is increasing in frequency worldwide; however, this disease is rare in children. As large-scale studies on paediatric melanoma are lacking, management is currently often based upon the understanding of the disease process in adults. The aim of this study was to characterise cases of paediatric melanoma diagnosed in the Republic of Ireland over a 21-year period.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicentre study using national data provided by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland and individual practitioners.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases of melanoma treated in 11 different centres were included in the study. The median patient age at diagnosis was 15 years. The majority of cases arose on the limbs. The median Breslow thickness in patients of the pre-pubertal age group was 8.25 mm, while in children more than 13 years, it was 1.65 mm. Eight patients had disease recurrence and five patients died.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of melanoma remains rare in children. This study contributes to our current understanding of malignant melanoma in paediatric patients; however, further investigation of the disease characteristics in this group is necessary to achieve optimal management of these cases and therefore improve outcomes.

Clinicopathological study of malignant melanoma in a regional cancer center

BACKGROUND

: Malignant melanoma is a tumor of melanocytic origin. Although uncommon in India as compared with the west, its prevalence is increasing.

OBJECTIVES

To document the pattern of clinicopathological features of malignant melanoma cases attending in a regional cancer center in eastern India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study was a retrospective study of 182 cases diagnosed histopathologically as malignant melanoma during 2011-2016.

RESULTS

Out of the total cases, 170 (93.4%) were cutaneous and 12 (6.6%) were noncutaneous melanoma. The most common age group was sixth decade with a male predominance. Conventional melanotic melanomas were 176 (96.70%), and only 6 cases (3.30%) were amelanotic melanoma. Among noncutaneous melanomas, 6 were in anorectum, 2 in conjunctiva, and 1 case each in nasal cavity, palate, gingivo-buccal sulcus, and vagina. The acrallentigenous type was the most common variety, and the mixed epithelioid and spindle cell type was the most common histopathological pattern. Clark's level III was the most common level of invasion.

CONCLUSION

The lower extremity is the most common site for melanoma, whereas extracutaneous melanomas are exceedingly rare and aggressive neoplasms. Melanoma can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, however, visceral metastasis to liver can also occur. In the absence of pigment in amelanotic melanoma, immunohistochemical markers such as HMB 45 can be used for definitive diagnosis.

Malignant melanoma incidence among children and adolescents in Texas and SEER 13, 1995-2013

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological knowledge and predictors of melanoma among children and adolescents in multiethnic populations are limited.

PROCEDURE

Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 13 database, we identified incident melanoma cases diagnosed at 0-20 years old during 1995-2013 in Texas and the United States, respectively. Using negative binomial regression, associations between demographic factors and melanoma incidence rates (IR) were evaluated by calculating incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Annual percent change in IRs was assessed with joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

Overall, the melanoma IR was 4.16 (TCR, n = 634) and 4.84 (SEER, n = 1260) per million. Females, adolescents, non-Hispanic (NH) whites, and Hispanics had higher IRs compared with other groups (P < 0.05). In adjusted analyses, Hispanics had a higher incidence of melanoma than NH non-whites (Texas IRR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.30-3.61; SEER IRR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.97-4.21). In Texas, NH whites with melanoma were more likely to live in low poverty areas, whereas the opposite trend was observed in Hispanics. Melanoma IRs increased throughout 1995-2004 followed by an average annual decrease of 7.6% (95% CI, -12.6%, -2.2%) in Texas and 6.0% (95% CI, -8.5%, -3.4%) in SEER during 2005-2013 (P < 0.05). However, these decreasing trends were not observed among Hispanics or those <10 years old.

CONCLUSION

Although the overall melanoma IR in children and adolescents appears to be decreasing, this trend is not evident among Hispanics and young children, implicating the need for further research investigating the etiologies and risk factors in these groups.

MC1R variants in childhood and adolescent melanoma: a retrospective pooled analysis of a multicentre cohort

BACKGROUND

Germline variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) might increase the risk of childhood and adolescent melanoma, but a clear conclusion is challenging because of the low number of studies and cases. We assessed the association of MC1R variants with childhood and adolescent melanoma in a large study comparing the prevalence of MC1R variants in child or adolescent patients with melanoma to that in adult patients with melanoma and in healthy adult controls.

METHODS

In this retrospective pooled analysis, we used the M-SKIP Project, the Italian Melanoma Intergroup, and other European groups (with participants from Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the USA) to assemble an international multicentre cohort. We gathered phenotypic and genetic data from children or adolescents diagnosed with sporadic single-primary cutaneous melanoma at age 20 years or younger, adult patients with sporadic single-primary cutaneous melanoma diagnosed at age 35 years or older, and healthy adult individuals as controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for childhood and adolescent melanoma associated with MC1R variants by multivariable logistic regression. Subgroup analysis was done for children aged 18 or younger and 14 years or younger.

FINDINGS

We analysed data from 233 young patients, 932 adult patients, and 932 healthy adult controls. Children and adolescents had higher odds of carrying MC1R r variants than did adult patients (OR 1·54, 95% CI 1·02-2·33), including when analysis was restricted to patients aged 18 years or younger (1·80, 1·06-3·07). All investigated variants, except Arg160Trp, tended, to varying degrees, to have higher frequencies in young patients than in adult patients, with significantly higher frequencies found for Val60Leu (OR 1·60, 95% CI 1·05-2·44; p=0·04) and Asp294His (2·15, 1·05-4·40; p=0·04). Compared with those of healthy controls, young patients with melanoma had significantly higher frequencies of any MC1R variants.

INTERPRETATION

Our pooled analysis of MC1R genetic data of young patients with melanoma showed that MC1R r variants were more prevalent in childhood and adolescent melanoma than in adult melanoma, especially in patients aged 18 years or younger. Our findings support the role of MC1R in childhood and adolescent melanoma susceptibility, with a potential clinical relevance for developing early melanoma detection and preventive strategies.

FUNDING

SPD-Pilot/Project-Award-2015; AIRC-MFAG-11831.

Medical Options for the Adjuvant Treatment and Management of Pediatric Melanoma

Although melanoma is a rare diagnosis in the pediatric population, advances in the management of adults with melanoma offer the prospect of promising therapeutic options for children. At this time, medical management is not considered curative but may reduce the risk of recurrence or prolong survival. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment. Medical therapy of pediatric melanoma is not thought to have a role for in situ, early-stage, or localized disease, but adjuvant therapy may have a role in improving the prognosis of patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), spread beyond the regional lymph node basin, metastatic disease, or recurrent disease. Medical treatment options include immunotherapies, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies, which have provided improved toxicity profiles compared with traditional chemotherapy regimens in the setting of advanced disease. There is a growing body of pediatric-specific data relevant to the use of adjuvant therapies for advanced melanoma in children.

Cutaneous melanoma in adolescents and young adults

Cutaneous melanoma is rare in children, but has greater incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Diagnosis may be challenging due to its rarity in these age groups. Few studies have specifically addressed the topic of AYA melanoma. Though young-age melanoma may have particular biological characteristics, available data suggest that its clinical history is similar to that of adults. However, advances in treatment of adult melanoma have not been reflected in the treatment of AYAs. There is no standard treatment, and access to clinical trials is difficult for AYAs. Further efforts are needed to overcome these issues by improving cooperation with experts on adult melanoma.

BRIM-P: A phase I, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study of vemurafenib in pediatric patients with surgically incurable, BRAF mutation-positive melanoma

BACKGROUND

Vemurafenib, a selective inhibitor of BRAF kinase, is approved for the treatment of adult stage IIIc/IV BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma. We conducted a phase I, open-label, dose-escalation study in pediatric patients aged 12-17 years with this tumor type (NCT01519323).

PROCEDURE

Patients received vemurafenib orally until disease progression. Dose escalation was conducted using a 3 + 3 design. Patients were monitored for dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during the first 28 days of treatment to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Safety/tolerability, tumor response, and pharmacokinetics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Six patients were enrolled (720 mg twice daily [BID], n = 3; 960 mg BID [n = 3]). The study was terminated prematurely due to low enrollment. No DLTs were observed; thus, the MTD could not be determined. All patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE); the most common were diarrhea, headache, photosensitivity, rash, nausea, and fatigue. Three patients experienced serious AEs, one patient developed secondary cutaneous malignancies, and five patients died following disease progression. Mean steady-state plasma concentrations of vemurafenib following 720 mg and 960 mg BID dosing were similar or higher, respectively, than in adults. There were no objective responses. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 4.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.7-5.2) and 8.1 months (95% CI = 5.1-12.0), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A recommended and effective dose of vemurafenib for patients aged 12-17 years with metastatic or unresectable melanoma was not identified. Extremely low enrollment in this trial highlights the importance of considering the inclusion of adolescents with adult cancers in adult trials.

An Age-Based Analysis of Pediatric Melanoma: Staging, Surgery, and Mortality in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

The pediatric melanoma population is not well described, and current guidelines for their management are not well defined. Our study aims to identify this population, treatment modalities, and outcomes using a national population-based database. We reviewed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2008). Patients ≤21 years old with melanoma were included and grouped into ≤12 years of age, 13 to 18 years, and 19 to 21 years. Clinical characteristics were analyzed across the groups. A total of 1255 patients were included: 52.7 per cent were 19 to 21 years of age, 36.3 per cent were 13 to 18 years of age, and 11.0 per cent were ≤12 years of age. The 19- to 21-year-olds had the highest proportion of stage I (50.5%) versus ≤12 years of age (31.9%); the ≤12-year-olds had the highest proportion of stage IV (3.6%) versus 19 to 21 years of age (0.9%), P < 0.001. The 19- to 21-year-olds had the highest proportion receiving wide local excisions only (34.8%) versus ≤12 years of age (26.4%); the ≤12-year-olds had the highest proportion of patients without any surgeries (16.0%) versus 13 to 18 years of age (9.4%), P = 0.169. On adjusted analysis, the 19- to 21-year-olds had worse survival compared with ≤12 years of age (hazard ratio: 5.26, P = 0.017, 95% confidence interval 1.34–20.65). Disparities were found in the ≤12-year-old melanoma population, as they had later stage melanomas, less invasive surgery, and lower survival. Clearer prognostic factors are needed to better elucidate their management.

Common and not so Common Melanocytic Lesions in Children and Adolescents

The acquired melanocytic nevus is the most common lesion encountered by pediatric pathologists and dermatopathologists in their daily practice. In most cases, there are few difficulties in histopathologic diagnosis. However, it is the acquired melanocytic lesion known as the Spitz nevus, with its intrinsic atypical features which becomes the challenge since it exists along a histopathologic and biologic continuum from the atypical Spitz tumor to spitzoid melanoma. The frustration with some of these spitzoid lesions is that even the "experts" cannot agree as to the differentiation of one from the other even at the level of molecular genetics. Other melanocytic lesions are discussed including the congenital melanocytic nevus with its proliferative nodule(s) and melanoma as the ultimate complication. Although uncommon, cutaneous melanoma in the first 2 decades is emerging as a clinical problem especially in young women in the second decade of life. These are ultraviolet-associated neoplasms whose histopathologic and prognostic features are identical to the adult experience. Considerable progress has been made over the past 15 to 20 years in our understanding of cutaneous melanocytic lesions, but gaps still exist in the important group of spitzoid lesions. It can also be anticipated that more cutaneous melanomas in children will be seen in the future based upon epidemiologic studies.

Family history of cancer and the risk of childhood solid tumours: a Norwegian nationwide register-based cohort study

Background:

It is not clear if family history of cancer increases risk of cancer in children.

Methods:

We followed-up a total of 2 610 937 children born between 1960 and 2001 for cancer risk, and their parents and siblings. In this period, 2477 primary childhood solid tumours (except lymphoma) were diagnosed. The data from the Norwegian Family and Life Course Study and from the Norwegian Cancer Register were used. Classification of hereditary cancer syndromes was based on tumour histology, pedigrees and Chompret’s criteria.

Results:

An association between risk of childhood tumours and first-degree family history of early onset of solid tumours was observed for central nervous system tumours (2.3-fold), neuroblastoma (2.3-fold), retinoblastoma (6.1-fold), hepatic tumours (4.0-fold), and melanomas (8.3-fold). Elevated risk was also seen for osteosarcomas (1.5-fold) when considering first-degree family history of cancer diagnosed at any age. The risk of hepatic tumours, neuroblastomas and melanomas remained elevated even after controlling for probable hereditary cancer syndromes.

Conclusions:

The increased risk for several childhood solid site cancers among those with first-degree relatives diagnosed with solid cancer suggests that genetic or environmental factors are involved. The fact that these associations remained after controlling for hereditary cancer syndromes indicates other genetic mechanisms might be involved.

Pathology and genomics of pediatric melanoma: A critical reexamination and new insights

The clinicopathologic features of pediatric melanoma are distinct from those of the adult counterpart. For example, most childhood melanomas exhibit a uniquely favorable biologic behavior, save for those arising in large/giant congenital nevi. Recent studies suggest that the characteristically favorable biologic behavior of childhood melanoma may be related to extreme telomere shortening and dysfunction in the cancer cells. Herein, we review the genomic profiles that have been defined for the different subtypes of pediatric melanoma and particularly emphasize the potential prognostic value of telomerase reverse transcriptase alterations for these tumors.

The melanocortin signaling cAMP axis accelerates repair and reduces mutagenesis of platinum-induced DNA damage

Using primary melanocytes and HEK293 cells, we found that cAMP signaling accelerates repair of bi- and mono-functional platinum-induced DNA damage. Elevating cAMP signaling either by the agonistic MC1R ligand melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) or by pharmacologic cAMP induction by forskolin enhanced clearance of intrastrand cisplatin-adducts in melanocytes or MC1R-transfected HEK293 cells. MC1R antagonists human beta-defensin 3 and agouti signaling protein blocked MSH- but not forskolin-mediated enhancement of platinum-induced DNA damage. cAMP-enhanced repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage was dependent on PKA-mediated phosphorylation of ATR on S435 which promoted ATR’s interaction with the key NER factor xeroderma pigmentosum A (XPA) and facilitated recruitment of an XPA-ATR-pS435 complex to sites of cisplatin DNA damage. Moreover, we developed an oligonucleotide retrieval immunoprecipitation (ORiP) assay using a novel platinated-DNA substrate to establish kinetics of ATR-pS435 and XPA’s associations with cisplatin-damaged DNA. Expression of a non-phosphorylatable ATR-S435A construct or deletion of A kinase-anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) impeded platinum adduct clearance and prevented cAMP-mediated enhancement of ATR and XPA’s associations with cisplatin-damaged DNA, indicating that ATR phosphorylation at S435 is necessary for cAMP-enhanced repair of platinum-induced damage and protection against cisplatin-induced mutagenesis. These data implicate cAMP signaling as a critical regulator of genomic stability against platinum-induced mutagenesis.

Atypical Melanocytic Proliferation in a Pediatric Patient with Double Advancement Flap Repair

This report highlights an unusual case of an atypical melanocytic proliferation in a pediatric patient and the surgical method used to repair the defect. I describe a 10-year-old boy with hallux irregular discoloration that was present from birth and rapidly enlarging. A biopsy led to the diagnosis of atypical melanocytic proliferation, which may represent an unusual manifestation of early melanoma in situ. Complete excision of the patch was performed, and the hallux was repaired using a double advancement flap for closure, thus curing the patient.

A Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Tumors and Associated Cancer Predisposition Syndromes

An understanding of the role of inherited cancer predisposition syndromes in pediatric tumor diagnoses continues to develop as more information is learned through the application of genomic technology. Identifying patients and their relatives at an increased risk for developing cancer is an important step in the care of this patient population. The purpose of this review is to highlight various tumor types that arise in the pediatric population and the cancer predisposition syndromes associated with those tumors. The review serves as a guide for recognizing genes and conditions to consider when a pediatric cancer referral presents to the genetics clinic.

Paediatric melanoma

Paediatric melanoma, although rare, is the most common skin cancer in children. Our current knowledge on paediatric melanoma incidence trends is expanding, as several studies have addressed this issue with conflicting results. Known risk factors for paediatric melanoma include family history of melanoma, a previous history of malignancy, large congenital nevi, numerous melanocytic nevi, sunburns, increased UV exposure and a sun-sensitive phenotype. In younger children, melanoma more often presents with atypical features, such as a changing, amelanotic or uniformly coloured, often bleeding lesion, not fulfilling in most cases the conventional ABCDE criteria. The major differential diagnoses are melanocytic nevi, proliferative nodules in congenital nevi and atypical Spitz tumours. Moreover, in the younger age group non-Caucasian children are over-represented, tumours tend to be thicker and lymph nodes are often involved. Despite the frequent diagnosis at an advanced stage, the overall survival is fair in paediatric melanoma. Specific guidelines for management of melanoma in children do not exist, and most often the disease is treated similarly to melanoma in adults.

Pediatric melanoma: incidence, treatment, and prognosis

The purpose of this review is to outline recent advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric melanoma. Despite the recent decline in incidence, it continues to be the deadliest form of skin cancer in children and adolescents. Pediatric melanoma presents differently from adult melanoma; thus, the traditional asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation, diameter >6 mm, and evolution (ABCDE) criteria have been modified to include features unique to pediatric melanoma (amelanotic, bleeding/bump, color uniformity, de novo/any diameter, evolution of mole). Surgical and medical management of pediatric melanoma continues to derive guidelines from adult melanoma treatment. However, more drug trials are being conducted to determine the specific impact of drug combinations on pediatric patients. Alongside medical and surgical treatment, prevention is a central component of battling the incidence, as ultraviolet (UV)-related mutations play a central role in the vast majority of pediatric melanoma cases. Aggressive prevention measures targeting sun safety and tanning bed usage have shown positive sun-safety behavior trends, as well as the potential to decrease melanomas that manifest later in life. As research into the field of pediatric melanoma continues to expand, a prevention paradigm needs to continue on a community-wide level.

Pediatric melanoma

Childhood melanoma is a rare pediatric malignancy, with fewer than 500 new diagnoses annually. The incidence is increasing, particularly in the adolescent population. This review highlights the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and histopathologic challenges of pediatric melanoma. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone for localized and regionally advanced disease. Adjuvant therapies, including current options and potential novel therapeutics for this unique population will be discussed.

Health Disparities Influence Childhood Melanoma Stage at Diagnosis and Outcome

OBJECTIVE

To identify health disparities in pediatric patients with melanoma that affect disease presentation and outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of all persons aged ≤18 years diagnosed with melanoma and enrolled in the Texas Cancer Registry between 1995 and 2009. Socioeconomic status (SES) and driving distance to the nearest pediatric cancer treatment center were calculated for each patient. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with advanced-stage disease. Life table methods and Cox regression were used to estimate survival probability and hazard ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 185 adolescents (age >10 years) and 50 young children (age ≤10 years) were identified. Hispanics (n = 27; 12%) were 3 times more likely than non-Hispanic whites (n = 177; 75%) to present with advanced disease (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.8). Young children were twice as likely as adolescents to present with advanced disease (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3). Distance to treatment center and SES did not affect stage of disease at presentation. Hispanics and those in the lowest SES quartile had a significantly higher mortality risk (hazard ratios, 3.0 [95% CI, 1.2-7.8] and 4.3 [95% CI, 1.4-13.9], respectively). In the adjusted survival model, only advanced disease was predictive of mortality (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Hispanics and young children with melanoma are more likely to present with advanced disease, and advanced disease is the single most important predictor of survival. Heightened awareness among physicians is needed to facilitate early detection of melanoma within these groups.

Melanoma: Kids are not just little people

Malignant melanoma can affect patients of any age. It has been well documented that the overall incidence of melanoma has increased in the past several decades, and this increase extends to the pediatric population (both preadolescent and, to a greater extent, adolescent children). Melanoma in adolescents, commonly defined as patients 11 to 19 years of age, behaves similarly to melanoma in adults; however, there are a number of distinct differences in the presentation and prognosis of melanoma in the preadolescent population. Though our treatment options for melanoma are increasing with the advent of novel drugs and clinical trials, the rarity of pediatric melanomas often excludes this population from clinical studies. The treatment options for the pediatric patient are predominantly based on adult clinical trials. Awareness of the differences in clinical presentation, as well as management of melanoma in younger patients compared with their adult counterparts, is crucial to guarantee prompt and appropriate care.

Biologic and clinical characteristics of adolescent and young adult cancers: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer have not attained the same improvements in overall survival as either younger children or older adults. One possible reason for this disparity may be that the AYA cancers exhibit unique biologic characteristics, resulting in differences in clinical and treatment resistance behaviors. This report from the biologic component of the jointly sponsored National Cancer Institute and LiveStrong Foundation workshop entitled "Next Steps in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology" summarizes the current status of biologic and translational research progress for 5 AYA cancers; colorectal cancer breast cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, melanoma, and sarcoma. Conclusions from this meeting included the need for basic biologic, genomic, and model development for AYA cancers as well as translational research studies to elucidate any fundamental differences between pediatric, AYA, and adult cancers. The biologic questions for future research are whether there are mutational or signaling pathway differences (for example, between adult and AYA colorectal cancer) that can be clinically exploited to develop novel therapies for treating AYA cancers and to develop companion diagnostics.

Single institution experience of paediatric melanoma in Victoria, Australia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Paediatric melanoma is an uncommon presentation of melanoma that accounts for 3% of all paediatric cancers. The objective was to describe a series of paediatric melanoma cases presenting to a state-wide tertiary referral service over the past 19 years.

METHODS

A search of the Victorian Melanoma Service database was performed to identify all patients under the age of 20 years diagnosed with melanoma from 1994 to 2013. Histological, demographic and phenotypical information for each patient was collected. Patients were matched against the Victorian Death Registry to identify those who had died. Fisher's exact test was used to examine associations. Melanoma-specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 65 paediatric melanoma patients were included for analysis, in whom 72.3% of melanomas were diagnosed when they were 16-19 years of age with a mean age at diagnosis of 16 years. The mean Breslow thickness was 1.4 mm. It was greatest (3.4 mm) in the youngest age group (< 12 years of age). Ten patients developed nodal metastatic disease, eight of which progressed to visceral metastatic disease. The 5-year melanoma-specific survival rate was 96.8%.

CONCLUSION

This is the first descriptive epidemiological study of paediatric melanoma in Victoria. Further large, population-based, multi-institutional studies of paediatric melanoma are warranted to provide a clearer understanding of this group of melanoma patients.

Pediatric Melanoma and Atypical Melanocytic Neoplasms

Melanoma is uncommon in the pediatric age range, but is increasing in frequency and often presents with atypical features compared to the classic ABCDE criteria common to adult melanoma cases. Moreover, many melanocytic neoplasms in childhood pose diagnostic challenges to the pathologist, and sometimes cannot be unequivocally classified as benign nevi or melanoma. This chapter addresses the evaluation and management of pediatric patients with melanoma and atypical melanocytic neoplasms, including the roles of and unresolved questions surrounding sentinel lymph node biopsy, completion lymphadenectomy, adjuvant therapy, and treatment of advanced disease.

The BRAAFF checklist: a new dermoscopic algorithm for diagnosing acral melanoma

BACKGROUND

The parallel ridge pattern (PRP) is considered the dermoscopic hallmark of acral melanoma (AM). However, it was recently shown that approximately one-third of AMs do not display a PRP dermoscopically, rendering their detection more troublesome.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopic criteria for the diagnosis of AM.

METHODS

Dermoscopic images of consecutive cases of histopathologically diagnosed AMs and acral naevi with histopathological diagnosis or with at least 1 year of follow-up were evaluated by three independent investigators for the presence of predefined criteria. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to choose among competing classification schemes.

RESULTS

In total 603 lesions (472 naevi and 131 AMs) were included in the study. A scoring system (named BRAAFF) composed of six variables was associated with optimal area under the curve and sensitivity for the diagnosis of AM. This method includes four positive (irregular blotches, ridge pattern, asymmetry of structures and asymmetry of colours) and two negative predictors (furrow pattern and fibrillar pattern).

CONCLUSIONS

The BRAAFF checklist significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of AM.

Pigmented Pre-malignant and Malignant Lesions of Skin with Special Reference to Atypical Presentations

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous melanocytic proliferations are diverse both morphologically as well as in their behavioural patterns. Both dermatologists and pathologists regularly encounter diagnostic dilemmas while interpreting such lesions.

AIM

To study all cutaneous premalignant and malignant lesions with respect to their clinical features and histopathological findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was done in the Department of Pathology over a period of 10 years (2004-14) on all the clinically pigmented lesions that were biopsied or excised. Out of these only premalignant and malignant melanocytic lesions were analysed with respect to their important clinical and histologic features. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using HMB-45 and S-100 where indicated.

RESULTS

A total of 338 skin cancers were reported, out of these 27, 7.9% were cutaneous malignant melanoma. Premalignant lesions were 33. The mean age for premalignant lesions and melanomas was 43 years and 50.7 years respectively with a male predominance in both groups. The sole of foot/ankle was the most common site of involvement by melanoma (n=8,29.6%) while sun exposed sites like face and scalp were common sites for development of premalignant lesions like dysplastic nevi, lentigo simplex, pigmented seborrheic keratosis and Bowens disease. One case presented as post-traumatic scar tissue which turned out to be desmoplastic melanoma. One case of amelanotic melanoma presented as recurrent painful penile ulcers. Both cases were confirmed on Immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

All pigmented lesions should be regarded as tumours of uncertain malignant potential and treated with complete excision if possible with long term follow up.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus: report from 30 years of experience in a single department

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) occur in 1:20,000 livebirths and are associated with increased risk of malignant transformation. The treatment of GCMN from 1981 to 2010 in a tertiary referral center was reviewed evaluating the modalities used, cosmetic results, associated complications, and malignant transformation. Of 35 patients, 25 underwent surgery. Curettage was most frequently used (64%) followed by excision and tissue expansion (20%). Six percent of the patients treated with curettage, and 78% of the patients who received excision surgery required more than 1 planned procedure, and 25% versus 44% required unplanned additional surgery, respectively. Complications were noted in 25% and 67% of the patients, respectively. Cosmetic result was satisfying in 76% of patients without difference between the groups. No malignant transformation was found during a mean follow-up of 11 years. Curettage is a gentle alternative to excision with a lower complication rate and good cosmetic outcome.

Melanoma in the Italian Population and Regional Environmental Influences: A National Retrospective Survey on 2001-2008 Hospitalization Records

OBJECTIVE

To assess the burden of regional environmental factors influencing the incidence of Melanoma in the Italian population and overcome the problem of partial population coverage by local cancer registries and thematic archives.

METHODS

We analyzed the Italian national hospitalization records from 2001 to 2008 provided by the Ministry of Health, excluding hospital re-admissions of the same patients, in order to assess the occurrence of Melanoma over a 8-year period. Data were presented by age groups (absolute number of cases from 20 to ≥80 years old) and per Region (rates per 100,000 inhabitants) for each year.

RESULTS

The overall number of new hospitalizations due to malignant Melanoma increased by 16.8% from 2001 (n = 4846) to 2008 (n = 5823), with the rate per 100,000 inhabitants passing from 10.5 to almost 12.0 at a national level. The majority of new diagnoses of malignant Melanoma was observed in two age groups: 61-70 years old (from 979 in 2001 up to 2109 in 2008, corresponding to 15.1 and 18.1 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively) and 71-80 years old (from 954 in 2001 up to 1141 in 2008, corresponding to 19.5 and 21.8 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively). The number of hospitalizations due to Melanoma increased in all age groups with the only exception of the youngest patients aged 20-30 years old. The highest increases over the 8-year period were observed in people aged ≥81 years old (+34%), 61-70 years old (+20%) and surprisingly in the age group 31-40 years old (+17%). Southern Regions showed lower hospitalization rates compared to Northern Italy and Region Lazio. The highest increases between 2001 and 2008 were observed in Trentino/Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Valla d'Aosta and Veneto Region.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalizations due to malignant Melanoma in Italy seem to be influenced by environmental or population-related factors showing a decreasing incidence rate from the Northern to Southern Regions.

The Childhood Solid Tumor Network: A new resource for the developmental biology and oncology research communities

Significant advances have been made over the past 25 years in our understanding of the most common adult solid tumors such as breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. Much less is known about childhood solid tumors because they are rare and because they originate in developing organs during fetal development, childhood and adolescence. It can be very difficult to study the cellular origins of pediatric solid tumors in developing organs characterized by rapid proliferative expansion, growth factor signaling, developmental angiogenesis, programmed cell death, tissue reorganization and cell migration. Not only has the etiology of pediatric cancer remained elusive because of their developmental origins, but it also makes it more difficult to treat. Molecular targeted therapeutics that alter developmental pathway signaling may have devastating effects on normal organ development. Therefore, basic research focused on the mechanisms of development provides an essential foundation for pediatric solid tumor translational research. In this article, we describe new resources available for the developmental biology and oncology research communities. In a companion paper, we present the detailed characterization of an orthotopic xenograft of a pediatric solid tumor derived from sympathoadrenal lineage during development.