Seasonal effect upon excision of acquired melanocytic proliferations

Background Acquired melanocytic proliferations (AMPs) are excised throughout the year. Questions exist concerning seasonal variation in these excisions. Objective To investigate whether AMPs are removed more often during the spring–summer seasons than in the fall–winter and whether the percentage of benign nevi, dysplastic nevi and melanoma varies according to season. Design Retrospective analysis of 4794 histologically confirmed biopsies of AMPs was performed. Results A total of 2802 of the 4794 lesions (58%) were removed during the spring–summer season. These results confirm that seasonal variation in removal of AMPs does occur, and that removal peaks during the warmer months. In addition, the increased numbers of removals were accounted for by increases in benign pigmented lesion removals. Conclusions Many etiologic factors can be suggested for increased removal of AMPs during the warmer months. Reasons may include the cosmetic desires of the patient and clothing choices resulting in increased awareness of pigmented lesions. Increases in the number of skin cancer prevention programs offered by dermatologists in the spring also have a large impact on the awareness of the general population and potentially contribute to the seasonal variation.