Differences and Similarities in Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Cutaneous and Uveal Melanoma

• Published in: Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Vol. 59; no. 5; p. 943
• Main Authors: Brănișteanu, Daciana Elena, Porumb-Andrese, Elena, Stărică, Alexandra, Munteanu, Anca Catalina, Toader, Mihaela Paula, Zemba, Mihail, Porumb, Vlad, Cozmin, Mihai, Moraru, Andreea Dana, Nicolescu, Alin Codruț, Brănișteanu, Daniel Constantin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 14.05.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Age; atypical mole syndrome; cutaneous melanoma; Development and progression; Epidemiology; Health aspects; Humans; Light; Melanoma; Melanoma - etiology; Melanoma - genetics; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant; Mortality; Population; Review; Risk Factors; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology; Skin Neoplasms - genetics; Ultraviolet radiation; uveal melanoma; White people; United States > US; Norway; Europe; cutaneous melanoma; uveal melanoma; atypical mole syndrome
• ISSN: 1648-9144; 1010-660X; 1648-9144
• DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050943

Both cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) represent important causes of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we evaluate the available knowledge on the differences and similarities between cutaneous melanoma and uveal melanoma, focusing on the epidemiological aspects and risk factors. Uveal melanoma is a rare condition but is the most prevalent primary intra-ocular malignant tumor in adults. Cutaneous melanoma, on the other hand, is significantly more common. While the frequency of cutaneous melanoma has increased in the last decades worldwide, the incidence of uveal melanoma has remained stable. Although both tumors arise from melanocytes, they are very distinct entities biologically, with complex and varied etiologies. Both conditions are encountered more frequently by individuals with a fair phenotype. ultraviolet-radiation is an important, well-documented risk factor for the development of CM, but has shown not to be of specific risk in UM. Although cutaneous and ocular melanomas seem to be inherited independently, there are reported cases of concomitant primary tumors in the same patient.