The relationship of pregnancy, hormones, and melanoma.

There has been considerable interest in the relationship of pregnancy and melanoma. Since 1951, a number of case reports have suggested that pregnancy may induce or exacerbate melanoma. Likewise, there has been concern over the relationship between exposure to oral contraceptives (OCs) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and possible increased risk of melanoma. We critically reviewed: (1) controlled clinical trials to assess the effect of pregnancy on the prognosis of melanoma; and (2) epidemiological data to evaluate the risk of melanoma after exposure to OCs or HRT. Pregnancy before, during, or after the diagnosis of melanoma does not appear to influence 5-year survival rates. Exposure to OCs or HRT does not appear to increase the risk of melanoma.