Malignant melanoma in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population

Abstract

Incidence of melanoma in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population is rapidly increasing. AYA melanoma is genetically similar to that of adults with a similarly adverse prognosis in patients with advanced disease. Management of AYA patients requires attention to several unique features in this patient population including historically low rates of clinical trial participation and lack of suitable psychosocial support services - factors which affect may access to treatment and possibly impact upon survival. In this chapter, we review recent data regarding changing incidence trends and management of melanoma in the AYA population.