[The role of ultraviolet rays in the etiopathogenesis of malignant melanoma].

Abstract

The aim of the study was to elucidate the role of UV radiation in the etiology of malignant melanoma within the conditions of East Bohemia region. In selected patients with malignant melanoma, anamnestic data pertinent to the frequency of sun-bathing as well as a bulk of the occupational indoor exposures brought about the action of UV-light artificial sources have been withdrawn from past history. Constitutional features for suspected photosensitivity such as the fair skin complexion and skin phototype, were investigated. The object of assumption was also the site of anatomical localization (i. e. body site distribution) of primary malignant melanoma. In a selected group of patients, routine phototesting followed by the above-threshold skin phototests were carried out with the aim to assess the capacity of reparative processes essentially occurring in the irradiated skin. In the epidemiologically oriented part of study, presumable relationships between the year's maxima of sunlight radiation and the increases in the incidence of malignant melanoma were treated statistically. It followed from the results obtained that sunlight itself is not a decisive factor and cannot explain an increased incidence of malignant melanoma in East Bohemia region.