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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: melanoma; oncology; pediatric dermatology; pediatric melanoma.