Increasing Rates of Melanoma and What to Look For
Source: Dermatology Times, February 2023
Melanoma rates are on the rise across the US, according to David Goldberg, MD, JD, medical director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey; director of cosmetic dermatology and clinical research at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, New York; conference chair of South Beach Symposium (SBS) 2023, and a Dermatology Times® Editorial Advisory Board member. Goldberg discusses the increased rates of melanoma and risk factors associated with cutaneous melanoma during his session “Advances in Melanoma" at SBS 2023.
There are numerous risk factors for cutaneous melanoma, including atypical melanocytic nevi, ultraviolet (UV ) radiation, childhood and adolescent sunburns, and ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA). UV radiation contributes to 80% of melanoma cases that develop in intermittently sun-exposed areas. Similarly, aggressive childhood and adolescent sunburn put young patients at a higher risk of developing melanoma later in life. Another dangerous risk factor of cutaneous melanoma is tanning beds. In 2009, the World Health Organization categorized tanning beds as a human carcinogen. According to Goldberg, tanning bed exposure before the age of 35 has a statistically significant association with melanoma.
Goldberg then reviewed the characteristics of primary types of melanomas: superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo, and acral.