Melanoma and hypertension: is there an association? A USA population-based study

Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2022 Jun;157(3):270-274. doi: 10.23736/S2784-8671.21.07089-4. Epub 2021 Sep 21.

Abstract

Background: Melanoma is one of the three major types of skin cancer. In this study we aimed to investigate the association between melanoma and hypertension comorbidity.

Methods: We performed a population-based study using NHANES database during the period 1999-2004. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

Results: Data for 12,446 individuals of which 146 had a diagnosis for melanoma were extracted. Melanoma group were older than the no melanoma group as 51% of the melanoma group were 60 years or elder; however 53.6% of the no melanoma group falls below 30 years old. Melanoma group had higher frequency of hypertension (37%) compared to the no melanoma group (22.5%). Logistic regression revealed that melanoma patients had higher odds of hypertension prevalence using the unadjusted model (odds ratio (OR): 2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-2.84, P<0.001). However, after controlling of all potential confounding factors the significance was lost (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.61-1.3, P=0.54).

Conclusions: There may be a possible association of melanoma with hypertension comorbidity. With the limitations we faced, we encourage further research to confirm the association of melanoma and hypertension comorbidity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Melanoma* / complications
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Odds Ratio
  • Skin Neoplasms* / complications