Malignant Melanoma in Young Patients: Histopathologic Particularities

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive, therapy resistant tumor of the skin with increased incidence. Some studies report a better outcome for young patients, while others failed to demonstrate this feature. We present a retrospective study including 28 patients with malignant melanoma aged between 15 and 30 years. Some special morphologic features were identified, sustaining the idea that heterogeneity of malignant melanoma in this age group was very high. In young patients, thin superficial spreading melanomas are more frequent, but there are some patients with very advanced lesions and poor outcome. The high incidence of melanomas developed on preexisting nevi indicates the need for a thorough surveillance of nevi in pediatric patients.