Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Indications for excision of nevi and melanoma diagnosed in a pediatric surgical unit.

Zangari A, Bernardini ML, Tallarico R, Ilari M, Giangiacomi M, Offidani AM, Martino A

Paediatric Surgery Unit, Salesi Children's Hospital, Ancona, Italy. andreazangari@libero.it

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Childhood melanoma is rare but increasing in incidence. Its management relies on early diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to discuss surgical indications of nevi and diagnosis of melanoma in a pediatric surgical unit. METHODS: Data relative to the patients who underwent removal of nevi in our pediatric surgical unit from 1999 to 2005 were reviewed to identify indications, histology, and melanoma occurrence. RESULTS: The most frequent indication was atypical nevus. Compound nevus was the most common finding, followed by congenital and Spitz nevi. Melanoma was diagnosed in 3 excised nevi, and in 1 case it occurred as a metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed a pattern of indications for surgery similar to that described in the literature, with a high detection rate of melanoma, nonetheless showing that some rare conditions may delay diagnosis.

Published 20 August 2007 in J Pediatr Surg, 42(8): 1412-6.
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