Skin cancers following pediatric organ transplantation

BACKGROUND. Organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressants are at increased risk of skin cancer. Although several studies have been devoted to adult transplant patients, few data are available on the long-term skin malignancies following pediatric organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on skin malignancies in patients who received their graft during childhood. METHODS. This study reviews data from the literature and includes our personal experience. RESULTS. Skin cancer is the most frequent malignancy following pediatric renal transplantation and the second most common after pediatric nonrenal transplantation. Skin cancers mainly include squamous and basal cell carcinomas. The occurrence of skin cancer in transplanted children is an extremely rare event during childhood. By contrast, skin carcinomas develop in early adulthood at an average age of 27 years. Other reported skin malignancies include anogenital carcinomas and melanoma. Cutaneous forms of Kaposi's sarcoma are exceptional in children. CONCLUSION. The increased risk of skin cancer following pediatric transplantation justifies prevention and adequate education of children and their parents concerning sun avoidance and protection.