IDENTIFICATION OF MELANOMA RISK-FACTORS IN THE POLISH POPULATION

BACKGROUND. There is a great deal of literature regarding malignant me lanoma risk factors all over the world. However, such data concerning the Polish population has not been published as of yet. OBJECTIVE. To identify the importance of melanoma risk factors including number and distribution of common and atypical nevi of the patients, phenotypic f eatures, and environmental conditions. METHODS. This is a case-control study of 74 melanoma patients and 300 controls. We used histopatholog ical examination to confirm diagnosis of melanoma. Epiluminescence mic roscopy was introduced for differential diagnosis of all pigmented les ions. RESULTS. The mean number of common nevi in melanoma patients was significantly higher compared with the control group (22.1 vs 15.2; P < 0.05). Atypical nevi in the melanoma patients group and in the cont rol group were encountered in 16.2% and 6.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). In the melanoma group more patients with lair complexion, intense sun exposure, and sunburn were identified compared with the control group . CONCLUSION. It was stated that an increased number of nevi (especial ly atypical ones), fair skin, and blue/green eyes, as well as intense LN exposure and sunburns, are important risk factors for melanoma deve lopment. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, In c.