Abstract
Background: No studies are available in the literature on the distribution of different melanoma features and risk factors in the Italian geographical areas. Objective: To identify the differences in clinical-pathological features of melanoma, the distribution of risk factors and sun exposure in various Italian macro-areas. Methods: Multicentric-observational study involving 1,472 melanoma cases (713 north, 345 centre, 414 south) from 26 referral centres belonging to the Italian Multidisciplinary Group for Melanoma. Results: Melanoma patients in northern regions are younger, with thinner melanoma, multiple primaries, lower-intermediate phototype and higher counts of naevi with respect to southern patients; detection of a primary was mostly connected with a physician examination, while relatives were more involved in the south. Northern patients reported a more frequent use of sunbeds and occurrence of sunburns before melanoma despite sunscreen use and a lower sun exposure during the central hours of the day. Conclusions: The understanding of differences in risk factors distribution could represent the basis for tailored prevention programmes.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 256-262 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Dermatology |
Volume | 230 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 19 2015 |
Keywords
- Dermato-oncology
- Epidemiology
- Melanoma
- Risk factors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology
- Medicine(all)