Genetic and Environmental Influences in the Development of Multiple Primary Melanoma

Multiple Primary Melanoma

“…Similar to a previous study, 4 we found that the number of benign moles was not significantly associated with risk of a second primary melanoma. Benign moles are powerful markers of melanoma risk, but arguably atypical moles, as potential precursors, may play a greater role in the setting of multiple primary melanoma.…”

“…15 Others have reported a higher percentage (67%-82%) of affected cases, 12,22 while at least 2 studies suggest a lower frequency (38%-46%). 9,13 As expected, we found a strong association between elevated counts of atypical moles and multiple primary melanomas, which has been shown previously in clinic-based and registry studies, 4,8,15 although the association noted herein was somewhat weaker than in most previous reports. With continued follow-up, some controls in our study may develop additional melanomas (ie, convert to case status), perhaps shifting the importance of risk factors.…”

“…Although previous studies have noted a positive association between family history of melanoma and risk of a second primary melanoma 4,14 and a high percentage of cases (24%-65%) with a family history of melanoma, 12,13,22 our data suggested the surprising possibility of an inverse association. We speculate that patients with melanoma and a family history of the disease may be more inclined to undergo mole biopsy, thereby reducing their risk of a second primary melanoma.…”

“…2006;142:433-438 N UMEROUS STUDIES HAVE evaluated the occurrence of additional primary melanoma tumors among those with a previous melanoma diagnosis. Only 1 study 1 however, was population based, and with few exceptions, 2 previous efforts were based on tumor registries [3][4][5][6] or clinicbased records, [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] approaches that rely on the stability of the target or patient population, respectively. Such studies do not actively ascertain subsequent melanomas in the target population initially at risk and are likely to underestimate the frequency of second tumors.…”

State of the science 60th anniversary review

“…49 Several groups have reported on multiple primary melanomas (MPM). [50][51][52] Blackwood et al examined the frequency of family history of melanoma in cases with MPM and found close to half had a positive family history. 53 Families of MPM patients also had a high incidence of dysplastic nevi and basal cell carcinoma, suggesting that they would benefit from screening, skin self-examination, and regular skin surveillance.…”