Comparison of Nonfamilial and Familial Melanoma

Abstract

There has been concern that individuals with nonfamilial melanoma and dysplastic melanocytic nevi (DMN) are not directly comparable to patients with hereditary melanoma and DMN. Because we have conducted a comprehensive study of nonfamilial melanoma over the past several years, we have addressed the above issue by directly comparing the characteristics of 145 nonfamilial patients, 6 patients with familial melanoma and the information available for familial melanoma in the literature. All 6 patients with familial melanoma had at least one first-degree blood relative with cutaneous melanoma. A large number of clinical and histologic variables were compared for both groups. Some pertinent variables included mean age at melanoma diagnosis 46.7 versus 52.3 years, mean Breslow thickness 2.11 versus 1.54 mm, mean total body nevi per patient 20.6 versus 18.3, mean total clinically atypical nevi per patient 2.0 versus 1.7 and total histologically confirmed DMN per group 22 (18.3%) versus 2 (33%), for patients with nonfamilial versus familial melanoma, respectively. No substantial differences were observed between the two groups. A review of the medical literature failed to reveal any quantitative data for melanocytic nevi, either clinical or histologic, at present that would allow distinction of patients with sporadic versus familial melanoma. We conclude that studies concerning the clinical characteristics of patients with DMN and nonfamilial melanoma are relevant to other persons with DMN including familial melanoma.

Familial and sporadic melanoma: different clinical and histopathological features in the Italian population – a multicentre epidemiological study – by GIPMe (Italian Multidisciplinary Group on Melanoma)

“…The number of naevi was, on average, significantly greater in familial cases, and this is particularly evident for the ‘great naevi’ and the clinically atypical naevi, especially those located on the trunk and the lower limb (data not shown). In the literature, the evaluation of nevi in familial vs. sporadic melanomas was analysed, although partially and with conflicting results, in a small number of studies 2,9,20 …”

“…In the literature, the evaluation of nevi in familial vs. sporadic melanomas was analysed, although partially and with conflicting results, in a small number of studies. 2,9,20 We could wonder whether the higher number of melanocytic naevi, either great or atypical ones, depends on more numerous sunburns or is an independent factor in relationship with a genetic pressure responsible for a higher melanocytic cell proliferation, possibly, for an earlier melanoma growth. A large number of naevi and of atypical naevi in high risk kindreds with CDKN2A mutation was considered to be caused by a responsible gene.…”

Melanoma etiology: where are we?

“…In general, the actual melanomas in family members are histiologically indistinguishable from sporadic melanomas and have similar prognosis. Family members with melanoma, however, usually have an earlier age of onset, have thinner melanomas detected, and are more likely to develop multiple primary melanomas (Kopf et al, 1986;Barnhill et al, 1992). A meta-analysis of eight case-control studies from Europe, Australia, and North America revealed that family history of melanoma among individuals with melanoma varied by geographic area from 0.6 to 12.5%, with generally higher percentages in areas of higher melanoma incidence .…”

Pediatric melanoma in melanoma‐prone families

“…6,7 However, the occurrence of melanoma in pediatric (<20 years) members of these families has not been fully investigated. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the occurrence and clinical and genetic characteristics of young onset (i.e.…”