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.
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 melanomapatients 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 melanomapatients was significantly higher compared with the control group (22.1 vs 15.2; P < 0.05). Atypical nevi in the melanomapatients 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.
Authors: Leslie K Dennis; Marta J Vanbeek; Laura E Beane Freeman; Brian J Smith; Deborah V Dawson; Julie A Coughlin Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 2008-08 Impact factor: 3.797