Ocular Melanoma Characteristics and Outcomes Differ by Fitzpatrick Skin Type
Source: Dermatology Advisor, March 2025
Presenting features and outcomes of ocular melanoma may differ on the basis of Fitzpatrick skin type (FST), according to the results of a review published in Clinics in Dermatology.
To assess the clinical utility of FST in ocular melanoma, investigators from a single center in the United States conducted a review of relevant literature on FST, conjunctival melanoma, and uveal melanoma. A total of 4 retrospective studies were included, which examined 540 eyes with conjunctival melanoma and 854 eyes with uveal melanoma.
In conjunctival melanoma, 1 study found that multiple clinical features differed on the basis of FST. Conjunctival melanoma had higher prevalence in patients with lighter skin types. Overall, patients with FST I were older at presentation (mean, 63.9 vs 60.7 vs 51.1 years; P <.001), more were women (68% vs 44% vs 42%; P <.001), fewer presented with complexion associated melanosis (1% vs 2% vs 13%; P <.001), fewer had eyelid involvement (13% vs 13% vs 28%; P =.02), and they had thinner tumors (mean, 2.1 vs 2.8 vs 3.6 mm; P =.01) when compared with those with FST II and FST III to VI, respectively.