Superficial spreading melanomas in children: An analysis of outcomes using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database

Purpose This study aims to review the incidence and outcomes for children with superficial spreading melanomas (SSM) using population-based data. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1974-2009) was analyzed for all patients less than 20 years of age diagnosed with SSM. Results Overall, 724 patients were identified. The annual age-adjusted incidence was 1.78 cases per 1,000,000 in 2009. Most patients were adolescents (N = 620, 85.6%), girls (N = 478, 66.0%), and Caucasian (N = 670, 92.5%). Most tumors were located on the trunk (N = 308, 42.5%) or lower extremities (N = 160, 22.1%). Overall and disease-specific survivals were 95.6% and 97.6%, respectively. Lymph node positivity decreased disease-specific survival among patients undergoing lymph node dissection (86% vs. 100% for negative lymph nodes, P = 0.001). Conclusions Incidence of SSM increased in the early part of the study, but has remained relatively stable over the past 2 decades. Girls are at higher risk of development of the disease. Outcomes for children with SSM are very favorable.