Review article

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2025.64.04.18

The Effect of Smoking on Cutaneous Melanoma

Paola Negovetić ; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia *
Ana Brkić ; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Klara Gaćina ; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Mirna Šitum ; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Buljan ; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Melanoma has emerged as a significant global health issue in recent decades, especially
in countries with a predominantly fair-skinned population. Well recognized risk factors for
melanoma include exposure to ultraviolet radiation, fair skin phototypes and a familial predisposition
to malignant skin conditions. Although smoking is a well-known carcinogen, its impact on melanoma
has been under-researched and is not routinely assessed during melanoma patient examinations.
Existing studies suggest a correlation between smoking and adverse prognostic factors in melanoma,
such as increased tumor thickness, ulceration and lymph node metastasis, leading to higher mortality
rates independent of age, sex and disease stage. Surprisingly, some studies report a negative correlation
between smoking and melanoma incidence, particularly in men, highlighting the need for further investigation.
In light of the detrimental effects of smoking on melanoma prognosis, it is recommended
to routinely assess smoking status — including former smoking habits — during initial evaluation
and follow-up, and offer the patient support in quitting. Recognizing smoking as one of the key
modifiable risk factors for cutaneous melanoma could be useful in reducing the disease’s impact and
improving its outcome in these patients.

Keywords

Melanoma; Smoking; Dermatology

Hrčak ID:

344732

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/344732

Publication date:

31.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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