Jacqueline T. Cooper, MD; Melanie A. Clark, MD
WMJ. 2024;123(3):210-212.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Tanning bed use has been directly correlated with increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers with greater duration and frequency of use. Despite this, complete bans for minors accessing indoor tanning devices are active in less than half of the states in the United States.
Case Presentation: A 65-year-old female presented to our Mohs surgery clinic with a history of left temporal T2a melanoma, multiple untreated advanced keratinocyte carcinomas, and innumerable smaller untreated keratinocyte carcinomas on her legs, arms, and back after more than 40 years of weekly tanning bed use.
Discussion: Reports from the literature indicate that first exposure under age 35 to tanning devices increases the risk for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Several programs currently focus on prevention, education, and legislative change surrounding this topic.
Conclusions: Highlighting such severe cases may provide an effective form of education for the public regarding the potential disease burden that results from indoor tanning.