Pediatric melanoma: Are recent advances in the management of adult melanoma relevant to the pediatric population

Abstract

Purpose Although melanoma in childhood is a rare condition, there is evidence that it is increasing in frequency. As advances are being made in the understanding and therapy of adult melanoma, we need to consider the relevance of these advances to the pediatric population. Patients and Methods We have reviewed our experience at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center with the clinical parameters, therapy, and outcomes of melanoma in 27 patients age 16 years or younger and contrasted these to the adult experience. Results Most cases were diagnosed early with the median thickness of the primary melanoma being 0.75 mm. Six of seven patients who had lymph node metastases develop remain..