Update on malignant melanoma in children.

Malignant melanoma is a rare event in children. Yet, the overall incidence has consistently risen in the past 20 years. Thus, the likelihood that our pediatric patients will develop malignant melanoma is increasing. Previously, the bulk of lesions were estimated to occur in children with large congenital melanocytic nevi. Recent reports, however, have highlighted new risk factors for malignant melanoma in children, while demystifying other entities previously believed to have a grave prognosis. Knowledge of risk factors and participation in public health efforts toward prevention and early intervention can help the practitioner protect pediatric patients from this malignancy.

[1]  J. Moppett,et al.  Second malignancies in children: the usual suspects? , 2001, European journal of radiology.

[2]  S. Mallory,et al.  Typical halo nevi in childhood: is a biopsy necessary? , 2001, The Journal of pediatrics.

[3]  J. Hansson,et al.  CDKN2A germ-line mutations in individuals with multiple cutaneous melanomas. , 2000, Cancer research.

[4]  H. Olsson,et al.  Familial breast and ovarian cancer: a Swedish population-based register study. , 2000, American journal of epidemiology.

[5]  V. Milman,et al.  Use of sunscreen is linked with elevated naevi counts in Israeli school children and adolescents , 2000, Melanoma research.

[6]  M. Weinstock.  Updated sunscreen advice: SPF30. , 2000, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

[7]  T. Belke,et al.  Sex Differences in the Anatomical Distribution of Melanocytic Nevi in Canadian Hutterite Children , 2000, Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery.

[8]  L. Eichenfield,et al.  Neonatal Erosions and Ulcerations in Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi , 2002, Pediatric dermatology.

[9]  R. Stern.  Malignant melanoma in patients treated for psoriasis with PUVA , 1999, Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine.

[10]  D. Lambert,et al.  Melanoma in Children and Adolescents , 1997, Pediatric dermatology.

[11]  A. Marghoob,et al.  A study of large congenital melanocytic nevi and associated malignant melanomas: review of cases in the New York University Registry and the world literature. , 1997, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

[12]  T. Tomita,et al.  MR imaging of symptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis in children , 1997, Pediatric Radiology.

[13]  A. Marghoob,et al.  Large congenital melanocytic nevi and the risk for the development of malignant melanoma. A prospective study. , 1996, Archives of dermatology.

[14]  J. McGregor,et al.  Excess melanocytic nevi in children with renal allografts. , 1993, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

[15]  M. Weinstock.  Human models of melanoma. , 1992, Clinics in dermatology.