Melanoma Characteristics in Patients with a History of UV Tanning Bed Usage

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tanning bed use on the behavior of subsequent melanomas. Methods: Cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma who completed a baseline questionnaire within 1 year of biopsy were ascertained using an institutional registry. Patients were categorized into one of two groups: (1) no history of UV tanning bed usage or (2) any history of tanning bed usage. Data analysis looked for group differences on the following variables: TNM staging, mitotic rate, family history of melanoma, and basic demographic variables. Results: Among 141 cases, a higher percentage of women (48.28%) reported tanning bed usage compared to men (26.51%, P