Multiple primary melanomas: A literature review

Abstract

Survival rates for melanoma have increased in recent years, a higher number of patients survive after diagnosis, and, therefore, are at an increased risk of developing second primary melanoma. The aim of this literature review is to identify and integrate the incidence rates and other characteristics of multiple primary melanomas. A total of 36 independent studies were included in this review. The incidence of multiple primary melanomas reported ranged from 1.1% to 20.4%. Synchronous melanomas account for 5% to 66% of the reported lesions. The most common site for both first and subsequent melanomas is the trunk. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common histological type in both first and subsequent primary melanoma. Regarding the mean Breslow index, subsequent melanomas appeared to be thinner than first melanomas. Our review suggests that melanoma patients are at a higher risk of developing a second primary melanoma and long-term surveillance is needed.