Association between germ cell tumours, large numbers of naevi, atypical naevi and melanoma

Identifying groups of subjects at high risk for the development of melanoma is crucial for the early diagnosis of curable tumours. In the present stud y, we performed a skin examination in a group of 63 patients followed up af ter treatment of germ cell tumours (GCTs) who were referred to the dermatol ogist for multiple pigmented cutaneous spots. Forty-nine patients bearing a great number of naevi or atypical naevi were included in the study. Two th in cutaneous melanomas were discovered in two patients. In addition, a thir d patient had had a conjunctival melanoma since treatment of the GCT. Our s tudy confirms the presence of atypical naevi in a subgroup of GCT patients, who are shown to be at high risk of developing melanoma. Patients harbouri ng multiple pigmented spots should be referred for a skin examination aimed at early detection of curable melanomas, and should be advised to protect themselves from sun exposure. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.