Arsenic exposure and risk of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma): A systematic review and meta-analysis

IF 3.6 4区医学 Q2 DERMATOLOGY

Anais brasileiros de dermatologia Pub Date : 2025-07-17 DOI:10.1016/j.abd.2025.501161

Lijiao He, Meiying Wei, Qikui Yang, Yun Huang, Zuyuan Wei

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Abstract

Background

Arsenic, recognized as a potentially lethal substance and a carcinogen, has been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer; however, the findings have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of arsenic exposure on skin cancer risk (including melanoma and non-melanoma) through a meta-analysis of the available data.

Objectives

To assess the risk of skin cancer from arsenic exposure.

Methods

Searches were performed in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI (as of June 10, 2024). The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed considering sample size, study centers, U.S. regions, arsenic exposure routes, and measurement methods.

Results

A total of 12 papers were included, comprising 48,003 participants. The findings indicated an association between arsenic exposure and the risk of skin cancer ([OR = 1.51], 95% CI 1.26–1.80). Specifically, the OR was 1.52 (95% CI 1.06–2.17) for melanoma, 1.64 (95% CI 1.16–2.32) for squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.36 (95% CI 1.04–1.77) for basal cell carcinoma. Subgroup analyses also revealed an association between arsenic exposure and skin cancer in the United States (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.25–1.87). Both ingestion and inhalation pathways of arsenic exposure showed a trend toward an increased risk of skin cancer.

Study limitations

An important limitation of this study is a degree of heterogeneity, and another is due to the limited number of research papers available.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates that arsenic exposure may be associated with an elevated risk of skin cancer. Additional prospective research is necessary to verify the association between arsenic exposure and the incidence of skin cancer, encompassing both cutaneous malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

查看原文本刊更多论文

砷暴露与皮肤癌（黑色素瘤和非黑色素瘤）的风险：一项系统综述和荟萃分析

砷被认为是一种潜在的致命物质和致癌物，与皮肤癌风险增加有关；然而，研究结果并不一致。本研究的目的是通过对现有数据的荟萃分析，评估砷暴露对皮肤癌风险（包括黑色素瘤和非黑色素瘤）的影响。目的评价砷暴露引起皮肤癌的危险性。方法检索PubMed、Web of Science、Embase、CNKI等数据库（截至2024年6月10日）。使用随机效应模型计算合并优势比（OR）及其95%置信区间（95% CI）。根据样本量、研究中心、美国地区、砷暴露途径和测量方法进行亚组分析。结果共纳入论文12篇，纳入受试者48003人。研究结果表明砷暴露与皮肤癌风险之间存在关联（[OR = 1.51], 95% CI 1.26-1.80）。具体来说，黑色素瘤的OR为1.52 (95% CI 1.06-2.17)，鳞状细胞癌的OR为1.64 (95% CI 1.16-2.32)，基底细胞癌的OR为1.36 （95% CI 1.04-1.77）。亚组分析还揭示了砷暴露与美国皮肤癌之间的关联（OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.25-1.87）。砷暴露的摄入和吸入途径都显示出皮肤癌风险增加的趋势。研究限制本研究的一个重要限制是异质性程度，另一个限制是由于研究论文数量有限。结论本荟萃分析表明，砷暴露可能与皮肤癌风险升高有关。需要进一步的前瞻性研究来验证砷暴露与皮肤癌发病率之间的关系，包括皮肤恶性黑色素瘤和非黑色素瘤皮肤癌。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Anais brasileiros de dermatologia DERMATOLOGY-

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量

184

审稿时长

32 days

期刊介绍： The journal is published bimonthly and is devoted to the dissemination of original, unpublished technical-scientific study, resulting from research or reviews of dermatological topics and related matters. Exchanges with other publications may be accepted.