The Framingham school nevus study: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To (1). describe nevus patterns using digital photography and dermoscopy; (2). evaluate the relationship between host and environmental factors and prevalence of nevi in schoolchildren; and (3). demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal study.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey and 1-year prospective follow-up study.


METHODS
Students from 2 classrooms, grades 6 and 7, in the Framingham, Mass, school system (N = 52).


METHODS
A survey was completed by students and 1 of their parents that included questions on demographic and phenotypic characteristics, family history of skin cancer, and sun exposure and protection practices. An examination of nevi on the back was performed that included digital photography and digital dermoscopy. Follow-up child and parent surveys and examinations were conducted at 1-year follow-up.


RESULTS
At baseline, the median number of back nevi was 15 (mean [SD], 21.9 [15.3]). Older age, male sex, fair skin, belief that a tan is healthier, tendency to burn, and sporadic use of sunscreen were positively associated with mole count, although age was the only statistically significant factor. Predominant dermoscopic patterns for the index nevus were as follows: 38% globular, 14% reticulated, 38% structureless, and 10% combinations of the above patterns with no predominant characteristic. The overall participation rate from baseline to follow-up was 81% (42/52) for the skin examination process. At the 1-year follow-up examination, new nevi were identified in 36% of students (n = 15), while 9.6% of baseline index nevi had changes in the dermoscopic pattern. Dominant dermoscopic pattern was related to nevus size: smaller nevi tended to be structureless, while larger nevi were of mixed pattern.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the feasibility and utility of digital photography and dermoscopy for the longitudinal study of nevus evolution in early adolescence.
Oliveria
Susan A
SA
Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA. oliveril@mskcc.org
Geller
Alan C
AC
Dusza
Stephen W
SW
Marghoob
Ashfaq A
AA
Sachs
Dana
D
Weinstock
Martin A
MA
Buckminster
Marcia
M
Halpern
Allan C
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D009506:Nevus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors