Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Melanoma: A Review

We are currently witnessing a worldwide increase in the incidence of melanoma. Incidence in Europe is about 25 cases per 100,000 population, while in Australia it reaches a rate of 60 new cases per 100,000. While the epidemiological curves of the 1980's and 1990's suggested an increase in the incidence of melanoma across all age groups, the last 10 years’ data indicates a 5% reduction in the incidence of thin melanoma in young individuals aged between 15 and 24. This suggests a positive impact of primary prevention campaigns [1-2]. The risk factors associated with melanoma are different and multifactorial: on one hand, there is a genetic predisposition, as evidenced by the increased risk in patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome, with familial melanoma or familial melanoma syndromes; on the other hand, the unprotected interaction between UV rays and phototypes I-II increases the risk of developing melanoma, especially in case of sunburns in pediatric age. This review aims to summarize melanoma epidemiology and risk factors.

Follow-up of melanocytic lesions with use of dermoscopy (literature review)

Regular follow-up is the most important preventive measure in patients with high risk for the development of melanoma. Particular attention is required for patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome, in which numerous lesions must be differentiated from malignant melanoma. General principles of monitoring of clinically atypical melanocytic lesions with the use of dermoscopy and indications for a diagnostic biopsy are discussed in the article.

Innovations and Innovative Approaches or Pseudo-Innovations in the Context of General Globalization? It's Time to Wake Up!

Globalisation, scientific and technical progress are the basis of numerous innovative therapies for oncologic and non-oncologic diseases. It is another matter how much and by whom they are desired, and whether they have to be applied. When and how often? Innovative approaches should go towards simplification, universal distribution and application while at the same time analysis between the potential initial investment and the achieved final result should be made. An illustrative example for this is the targeted therapy for melanoma with its low baseline criteria or basic rules for its surgical treatment. Another example could be the confocal microscopy in the context of dysplastic nevus syndrome. Therapies for various autoimmune diseases should also be considered critically. In the current OAMJMS issue, as well as in some of our other ideas and statements reported also in OAMJMS, we are trying to answer at least to a part of these dilemmas, to provoke a critical point of view and to ask some simple questions: “Should any innovation be considered as a face value? Which is potentially beneficial for our patients? How could we regulate the processes to minimise the need for expensive medications for certain diseases? And, of course, we are also turning to our own mistakes by visualising the results of them!

Tumors/Hamartomas

Chapter 10 covers Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, Cowden Syndrome, Cylindromatosis, Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, Epidermal Nevus, Gardner Syndrome, Giant congenital nevocytic nevus, Hereditary Keratoacanthomas, Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer, Infantile Myofibromatosis, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Types 1, 2A, and 2B/3, Pilomatricoma, Proteus Syndrome, Sebaceous Nevus Syndrome, and Tumoral Calcinosis. Each condition is discussed in detail, including dermatologic features, associated anomalies, histopathology, basic defect, treatment, mode of inheritance, prenatal diagnosis, and differential diagnosis.