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US Vet Study Identifies Risk Factors for Rare Melanoma
Agent Orange exposure linked to higher odds of acral melanoma in veterans
Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:47am
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A new study found that exposure to Agent Orange, the defoliant used during the Vietnam War, was associated with increased odds of acral melanoma (AM), a rare form of melanoma affecting the palms, soles, and nails, among US veterans. The study also identified other risk factors for AM, including history of nevus and prior keratinocyte carcinoma, while current smoking was linked to lower odds of AM.
Why it matters
This research provides important insights into the potential environmental and medical factors that may contribute to the development of acral melanoma, a subtype that is often overlooked compared to more common forms of cutaneous melanoma. Understanding the unique risk profile for AM could help guide screening, prevention, and treatment strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations like military veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange.
The details
Researchers conducted a nested case-control study within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, identifying 1,292 veterans with acral melanoma and matching them to individuals with non-acral cutaneous melanoma and those without any melanoma diagnosis. They examined various exposures, including age, race, military service, medical history, and environmental factors like Agent Orange exposure. The key findings were that veterans exposed to Agent Orange had 31% higher odds of developing AM compared to those with cutaneous melanoma, and 27% higher odds compared to those without any melanoma. Smokers had lower odds of AM. Patients with prior keratinocyte carcinoma and actinic keratosis also had higher odds of AM than the control group, while a history of nevus was associated with increased AM risk.
- The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2024.
The players
Jonathan C. Hwang
Researcher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and lead author of the study.
Andrew F. Olshan
Professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and author of an accompanying editorial.
What they’re saying
“Our results support the need for continued investigation of AM as a distinct entity from CM and may inform future evaluations of the associations between [Agent Orange exposure] in veteran populations, as well as those between other environmental exposures in different populations.”
— Jonathan C. Hwang, Researcher
“This study provides a strong impetus to further these research goals and contribute to the investigation of the legacy of the Vietnam War and honor a commitment to the veterans community.”
— Andrew F. Olshan, Professor
What’s next
Researchers plan to continue investigating the potential link between Agent Orange exposure and acral melanoma, as well as other environmental and medical factors that may contribute to this rare form of skin cancer.
The takeaway
This study highlights the importance of understanding the unique risk factors for acral melanoma, a subtype that is often overlooked compared to more common forms of cutaneous melanoma. The findings suggest that military veterans, particularly those exposed to Agent Orange, may be at higher risk and could benefit from targeted screening and prevention efforts.
