Risk of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Persons with Prior Cutaneous Melanoma

BACKGROUND: Melanoma has been associated with an overall increase in actinic tumors, including actinic keratoses, as well as with noncutaneous malignancies. OBJECTIVE: Determine the risk of developing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer in patients with prior cutaneous melanoma (actinic keratoses not encountered). METHODS: This retrospective study included 1396 white patients with prior cutaneous melanoma followed at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in the period 1977-1978. The control group was the white population of the Detroit area in the same period (1977-1978). RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (18 males, 7 females) developed 35 basal cell and/or squamous cell carcinomas: 18 developed basal cell carcinomas, 2 squamous cell carcinomas, and 5 both. The calculated odds ratio was 3.49 (males 3.67, females 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.52-8.00). No correlations were found with age, type, anatomic site, and length of follow-up of cutaneous melanoma. CONCLUSION: A history of cutaneous melanoma significantly increases the risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.