2023-10-13 12:22:24
Pediatric Melanoma: Understanding the Rare Subgroup of Cancers
Barcelona, Spain – At the annual meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), Prof. Dr. Cristina Carrera from Hospital Clinic Barcelona shed light on the complexities of pediatric melanoma, a rare and unique subgroup of cancers that require special attention.
Pediatric melanoma accounts for less than 2% of all pediatric cancers in Europe, and only a small fraction, less than 2%, of all melanoma cases are diagnosed before the age of 20. The incidence rate is exceptionally low, especially in children under the age of 10, with approximately one child per million affected, according to Carrera’s report. However, the incidence rate significantly increases during adolescence, making it the most common age group for pediatric melanoma.
Contrary to popular belief, pediatric melanoma is not a homogeneous entity. It is divided into three main categories, each with its own distinct characteristics and challenges.
The first category is giant congenital melanocytic nevus, which primarily affects children born with large congenital nevi. This rare form of melanoma is not related to sun exposure and poses a serious complication. Its unique characteristics set it apart from other types of pediatric melanoma.
The second category is conventional or adult-like melanoma, which is the most common form of pediatric melanoma found in adolescents and young adults. This subtype shares clinical, pathological, and molecular features with adult melanoma. However, a key difference is that melanoma associated with nevus occurs more frequently in the young population, accounting for 80% of cases compared to just 30% in adults.
The third category is Spitz-Melanoma, a less common variant that is distinct from conventional melanoma. It is considered a separate entity among pediatric melanomas and is not associated with nevi.
Understanding the different facets of pediatric melanoma is crucial to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for young patients. As Prof. Dr. Carrera emphasized, pediatric melanoma deserves special attention due to its rarity and unique characteristics.
Further research and clinical efforts are required to uncover more about pediatric melanoma and develop targeted therapies to effectively treat this rare subgroup of cancers.]
#Early #detection #pediatric #melanoma #essential