Melanoma in Skin of Color & Pregnancy

The presentation addresses the critical issues surrounding melanoma in patients with skin of color and during pregnancy. It highlights the disparities in melanoma awareness and diagnosis in black patients, who often have a poorer prognosis due to late-stage diagnosis and underrepresentation in medical studies. Key differences in nevi and melanoma presentation in darker skin tones are discussed, emphasizing the unique features of acral and mucosal melanoma types prevalent in these populations. In pregnant women, the incidence of melanoma is considerable, particularly as melanoma is the most common malignancy during pregnancy, with several alarming cases demonstrating the severity of the disease. However, it's emphasized that pregnancy does not adversely affect the prognosis of melanoma; outcomes appear to be similar to those in non-pregnant women. Guidelines for evaluating nevi during pregnancy stress that significant changes warrant biopsies, while the management of pre-existing melanoma requires careful consideration of timing related to pregnancy. Various diagnostic and treatment procedures during pregnancy are discussed, noting the importance of early intervention and the necessity of monitoring melanoma symptoms thoroughly for optimal maternal and fetal health.