Oncogenic Genodermatoses in Pediatric Skin of Color: A Review.

Abstract

Cutaneous neoplasms are relatively rare in children. Most commonly, skin cancers arise through environmental factors, particularly ultraviolet radiation; thus, age is the most predictive factor in developing cutaneous carcinomas. However, children born with certain genodermatoses are significantly more likely to develop malignancies and must carefully be monitored and treated. The preponderance of published data is based mainly on signs and symptoms present in White patients. Therefore, we aim to highlight the cutaneous presentations and relative differences of these genodermatoses among skin-of-color (SOC) patients, who are underrepresented in medicine. We conducted a literature review of 504 patients presented in 236 published articles. Manuscripts with accessible case reports for children aged 17 or younger were included. SOC patients often present with fewer classic findings and have a higher incidence of scarring and dyspigmentation. There is also a higher incidence of consanguinity in affected patients. Providers being able to recognize non-classical signs enable proper management and treatment regimens, potentially bringing SOC patient outcomes more in line with White children.