title: Association between germ cell tumours, large numbers of naevi, atypical naevi and melanoma.
abstract: Identifying groups of subjects at high risk for the development of melanoma is crucial for the early diagnosis of curable tumours. In the present study, we performed a skin examination in a group of 63 patients followed up after treatment of germ cell tumours (GCTs) who were referred to the dermatologist for multiple pigmented cutaneous spots. Forty-nine patients bearing a great number of naevi or atypical naevi were included in the study. Two thin cutaneous melanomas were discovered in two patients. In addition, a third patient had had a conjunctival melanoma since treatment of the GCT. Our study confirms the presence of atypical naevi in a subgroup of GCT patients, who are shown to be at high risk of developing melanoma. Patients harbouring 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Avril
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chompret
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Verne-Fourment
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Terrier-Lacombe
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spatz
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fizazi
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bressac-de Paillerets
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Demenais
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Théodore
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D009506:Nevus / Q000473:pathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013472:Sunlight