Identification of melanoma risk factors in the Polish population.

BACKGROUND

There is a great deal of literature regarding malignant melanoma risk factors all over the world. However, such data concerning the Polish population has not been published as of yet.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the importance of melanoma risk factors including number and distribution of common and atypical nevi of the patients, phenotypic features, and environmental conditions.

METHODS

This is a case-control study of 74 melanoma patients and 300 controls. We used histopathological examination to confirm diagnosis of melanoma. Epiluminescence microscopy was introduced for differential diagnosis of all pigmented lesions.

RESULTS

The mean number of common nevi in melanoma patients was significantly higher compared with the control group (22.1 vs 15.2; P < 0.05). Atypical nevi in the melanoma patients group and in the control group were encountered in 16.2% and 6.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). In the melanoma group more patients with fair complexion, intense sun exposure, and sunburn were identified compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

It was stated that an increased number of nevi (especially atypical ones), fair skin, and blue/green eyes, as well as intense UV exposure and sunburns, are important risk factors for melanoma development.