Risk Factors for Cutaneous Melanoma II

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • The increasing incidence rates of cutaneous melanoma in the United States projected for 2025 are influenced by several key risk factors:
    • With ultraviolet (UV) exposure and demographic changes playing significant roles
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure:
    • UV radiation from sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds is the primary risk factor for melanoma
    • Both intermittent intense exposure (e.g., sunburns) and chronic cumulative exposure contribute to melanoma risk
    • The American Cancer Society emphasizes that reducing UV exposure through protective measures such as:
      • Sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can mitigate this risk
  • Demographic Factors:
    • Skin Type:
      • Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and light eye color are at higher risk:
        • Due to lower melanin levels:
          • Which provide less natural protection against UV radiation
    • Age:
      • Melanoma incidence increases with age, particularly in older adults:
        • Due to cumulative UV exposure over a lifetime
      • However, it is also common in younger adults, especially women:
        • Likely due to higher use of tanning beds and intentional sun exposure
    • Gender:
      • Men have higher melanoma incidence rates than women, particularly after age 40:
        • This may be due to differences in sun exposure behaviors and lower rates of skin self-examination among men
    • Genetic Factors:
      • A family history of melanoma increases risk, as does the presence of numerous or atypical nevi (moles)
      • Genetic predispositions, such as mutations in the CDKN2A gene:
        • Also contribute to higher melanoma risk
    • Other Factors:
      • Immunosuppression, whether due to medical conditions like HIV or medications post-organ transplantation:
        • Increases melanoma risk
      • Additionally, socioeconomic factors, such as higher income and access to dermatologic care, can lead to higher diagnosis rates due to increased diagnostic scrutiny
  • In summary, the rising incidence of cutaneous melanoma in the United States is driven by UV exposure, demographic changes, genetic predispositions, and other factors:
    • Effective prevention strategies focusing on reducing UV exposure and early detection are crucial to managing this growing public health concern
  • References:
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Published by Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO

My name is Rodrigo Arrangoiz I am a breast surgeon/ thyroid surgeon / parathyroid surgeon / head and neck surgeon / surgical oncologist that works at Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Miami, Florida. I was trained as a surgeon at Michigan State University from (2005 to 2010) where I was a chief resident in 2010. My surgical oncology and head and neck training was performed at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia from 2010 to 2012. At the same time I underwent a masters in science (Clinical research for health professionals) at the University of Drexel. Through the International Federation of Head and Neck Societies / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center I performed a two year head and neck surgery and oncology / endocrine fellowship that ended in 2016. Mi nombre es Rodrigo Arrangoiz, soy cirujano oncólogo / cirujano de tumores de cabeza y cuello / cirujano endocrino que trabaja Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology en Miami, Florida. Fui entrenado como cirujano en Michigan State University (2005 a 2010 ) donde fui jefe de residentes en 2010. Mi formación en oncología quirúrgica y e n tumores de cabeza y cuello se realizó en el Fox Chase Cancer Center en Filadelfia de 2010 a 2012. Al mismo tiempo, me sometí a una maestría en ciencias (investigación clínica para profesionales de la salud) en la Universidad de Drexel. A través de la Federación Internacional de Sociedades de Cabeza y Cuello / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center realicé una sub especialidad en cirugía de cabeza y cuello / cirugia endocrina de dos años que terminó en 2016.

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