Melanoma Characteristics in Patients with a History of UV Tanning Bed Usage

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tanning bed use on the behavior of subsequent melanomas. Methods: Cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma who completed a baseline questionnaire within 1 year of biopsy were ascertained using an institutional registry. Patients were categorized into one of two groups: (1) no history of UV tanning bed usage or (2) any history of tanning bed usage. Data analysis looked for group differences on the following variables: TNM staging, mitotic rate, family history of melanoma, and basic demographic variables. Results: Among 141 cases, a higher percentage of women (48.28%) reported tanning bed usage compared to men (26.51%, P < .01). Additionally, the average age at biopsy for people who reported tanning bed usage was significantly lower compared to those who had not reported using a tanning bed. There was no significant difference in stage at presentation ( P = .56). Those with tanning bed usage presented significantly less often with melanoma of unknown primary (MUP). After controlling for the effects of gender and nodal status, tanning bed usage was not a significant independent predictor of 5 year overall survival. Conclusions: If we remove the subject with MUP on the basis that more of these are mucosal in origin, lower TNM stage at presentation are found in patients with no tanning bed melanoma compared to those with history of tanning bed usage. In addition, tanning bed patients are younger and more likely female but with an equivalent mortality rate. Level of Evidence: Case Series

Increasing Incidence and Decreasing Mortality of Melanoma in Elderly Adults: An Epidemiologic Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota

“…4 Many theories could explain the stabilization of incidence in males and continued rise in females. The authors of this paper believe that the difference in incidence between sexes is potentially because of external factors, such as increased tanning bed use in women 16,17 or hormonally-driven mediators. 18 Indeed, in younger cohorts, melanoma incidence among young women continues to be up to 2-fold higher than in young men, 10 with nation-wide young women (aged 18–25) demonstrating the highest rates of tanning bed use.…”

Incidence and mortality trends of primary cutaneous melanoma: A 50-year Rochester Epidemiologic Project study

“…Importantly, the elevated use of tanning beds among females has been widely suggested as a prominent risk factor for melanoma. 25 , 26 , 27 Exogenous female hormones have also been suggested as a melanoma risk factor, but with conflicting evidence. 28 Ultimately, additional high-quality studies addressing risk factors for development of melanoma are warranted.…”

Etiologies of Melanoma Development and Prevention Measures: A Review of the Current Evidence

“…Additionally, individuals who initiated tanning before the age of 30 had a 31% increased risk of melanoma. Tanning bed usage and the initiation of tanning behavior at a younger age have both been implicated in incidences of melanoma at a significantly younger age [ 42 , 43 ]. Beyond the risk of developing an initial melanoma, indoor tanning practices are significantly associated with the development of multiple primary melanomas [ 44 ].…”