Melanoma Density Is Greater in Upper Body Regions Than Lower Body Regions
Source: Dermatology Advisor, December 2024
A significant vertical gradient in cutaneous malignant melanoma density has been identified, as melanoma density is notably higher in upper body regions like the face and ears than in lower body areas. Published in Skin Health and Disease, the study findings highlight the need for targeted sun protection strategies, particularly for high-risk areas frequently exposed to sunlight.
While past research has shown that melanoma occurs at different rates across the body, this study uniquely factors in body surface area to better understand site-specific melanoma density.
Researchers analyzed data from 7236 patients with primary cutaneous melanoma who were diagnosed between 2013 and 2021 at a single dermatopathology center. This retrospective review included data on each patient’s age, sex, and melanoma location. Using relative tumor density (RTD) metrics, the researchers assessed the frequency of melanoma at each body site relative to body surface area percentage. Statistical analyses accounted for differences by sex, age, and anatomical location, and validation was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database and a Swiss dataset from 2007.