Epidemiology

Definition

Malignant tumor arising from melanocytes most commonly of cutaneous origin, but can be of mucosal (oral, conjunctival, vaginal), uveal or leptomeningeal origin

Epidemiology

Most rapidly expanding cancer in white population
Lifetime melanoma risk in white population 1:40
Male > Female
Worldwide greater incidence: Australia and New Zealand (39 female: 60 male cases per 100 000)
Mortality stable since the 90’s

Risk factors

Genetic

Family history of melanoma
Familial or genetic melanoma ~10% of cases
- CDKN2A mutation in 20% of familial cases associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. Suspect if ≥ 3 primary CDKN2A-dependent cancers in patient and/or first-degree relatives.
- BAP1 mutation
- MITF (renal cancer risk)
- Shelterin complex
- Tert
- CDK4
- Other mutations include: MC1R (red hair phenotype), PTEN , BRCA1/2, p53, XP genes
Lightly pigmented skin
Tendency to burn, inability to tan
Red hair