Nevi, lentigines, and melanomas in blacks

Abstract

Two hundred fifty-one black patients were examined for the presence of melanocytic nevi. The average number detected was 8.3 per patient. Light-skinned blacks had a greater number of total body nevi, while dark-skinned blacks had more lesions on the palms and soles. The usual histologic pattern seen in plantar-palmar lesions was that of lentigo simplex. The differentiation of lentigines of the palms and soles from early expression of acral lentiginous melanomas may be difficult; however, most acral pigmented lesions do not require excision.

Racial and ethnic variations in incidence and survival of cutaneous melanoma in the United States, 1999-2006

“…It has been reported that over 90% blacks have nevus; the majority of melanocytic nevi among blacks were acral, which may be related to the high number of ALM among blacks. 37 A study conducted in Spain suggests that ALM is more likely related to specific cancer susceptibility but not related to sun exposure, familial melanoma, or propensity to developing nevi. 38 Stage distributions of melanoma and tumor thickness varied substantially by racial and ethnic groups in this study.…”

Dermoscopy of black skin: A cross-sectional study of clinical and dermoscopic features of melanocytic lesions in individuals with type V/VI skin compared to those with type I/II skin

“…[21][22][23][24] The distribution of nevi by anatomic region also differs in white and black people. Although it occurs in the first group preferentially on the trunk, in the second, the face and acral regions are the most common sites.…”

Skin cancer in skin of color

“…2,77,149 Studies suggest that more than 90% of blacks have at least 1 nevus. 77,155 Melanocytic nevi in blacks are predominantly acral, which may account for the high number of acral melanoma in blacks. 77,155 A family history of melanoma, a significant risk factor in Caucasians, does not appear to be a major predisposing factor in blacks.…”

“…77,155 Melanocytic nevi in blacks are predominantly acral, which may account for the high number of acral melanoma in blacks. 77,155 A family history of melanoma, a significant risk factor in Caucasians, does not appear to be a major predisposing factor in blacks. 55 It is likely that other unknown factors, perhaps immunologic and environmental, play a role in the development of melanoma in blacks.…”