Multiple Primary Melanomas Occurring Around the Same Time: A Review of Terminology and Implications

• Published in: Journal of drugs in dermatology Vol. 19; no. 5; p. 471
• Main Authors: Shih, Shawn, Dai, Christina, Shih, Terri, Khachemoune, Amor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-2020
• Subjects: Biopsy; Humans; Incidence; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - epidemiology; Melanoma - pathology; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary - diagnosis; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary - epidemiology; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary - pathology; Skin - pathology; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Survival Rate; Terminology as Topic; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1545-9616
• DOI: 10.36849/JDD.2020.10.36849/JDD.2020.4953

Multiple primary melanomas (MPMs) have been reported to occur in 2-10% of melanoma patients. This study conducted a review of the literature to elucidate the definitions of terminology used to describe MPMs that were diagnosed in close temporal proximity as well as explore common risk factors. Terminology found in the literature included "concurrent", "simultaneous" and "synchronous" with varying definitions that ranged from 0-6 months between diagnoses of the first and subsequent melanomas. Eight cases are described in chronological order, and the incidence of MPMs diagnosed around the same time were reported as 22-39%. Nevus spilus was identified as a potential risk factor for MPMs. This study highlights that MPMs are not uncommon, and clinicians should remain aware that MPMs can be diagnosed at or around the same time, warranting thorough skin exams. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4953.