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.