Distinct Melanoma Tumor Characteristics Identified in Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Patients

Melanoma, though rare in younger populations, presents distinct characteristics in pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Researchers foundnotable differences in tumor incidence, location, and histologic subtypes between these age groups, shedding light on key patterns that may aid clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals.

Age-Specific Incidence Rates and Tumor Characteristics

The study, conducted by Bianca E. Ituarte and colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, analyzed data from the National Childhood Cancer Registry, covering melanoma diagnoses from 1997 to 2020. Among pediatric patients, the melanoma incidence rate was 1.74 cases per 1 million person-years, while in AYA patients, the rate jumped to 62.05 cases per 1 million person-years. Females accounted for 62.3% of the total cases, and non-Hispanic White patients represented the vast majority—87.5%—with significantly higher incidence rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Histologically, superficial spreading melanoma was the most common subtype in both age groups. Tumor location also varied notably: in pediatric patients, melanomas were most often found on the lower extremities, whereas in AYA patients, they were more commonly located on the trunk. Differences in tumor distribution were also observed by sex and ethnicity.

Identifying At-Risk Individuals

Understanding these trends is crucial for improving early detection and diagnosis in younger populations, where melanoma remains uncommon. “While a melanoma diagnosis in this age group is rare, our data provide incidence rates by age, gender, race and ethnicity, and clinical presentation patterns that can help the clinician understand individuals who may be at risk,” the authors noted.

These findings underscore the importance of considering demographic and age-related factors when assessing melanoma risk in pediatric and AYA patients. Clinicians should remain vigilant, particularly in monitoring non-Hispanic White individuals and paying attention to age-specific tumor characteristics, which could guide tailored prevention and diagnostic strategies.