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And Neck Melanoma (and + neck_melanoma)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Kinds of And Neck Melanoma

  • head and neck melanoma
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    Selected Abstracts

    Cutaneous melanoma: methods of biopsy and definitive surgical excision

    DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 5 2005
    Adam I. Riker
    ABSTRACT:, The proper method of biopsy and definitive surgical excision of cutaneous melanoma is vital for optimal patient outcome. Clearly, the present authors' understanding of the pathophysiology of cutaneous melanoma continues to change at a rapid pace. Indeed, as the present authors' research efforts begin to expose some of the mysteries of melanoma, so do they begin to better understand the intricacies of this dreaded cancer. This article will highlight methods of biopsy for melanoma and the management of the primary tumor. The present authors review current recommendations for excision margins for the primary tumor, usefulness of lymphoscintigraphy, timing of definitive surgical excision, and issues unique for head and neck melanoma. [source]

    In situ photoimmunotherapy: a tumour-directed treatment for melanoma

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
    M.F. Naylor
    Summary We report a new immunological treatment for advanced cutaneous melanoma which combines laser stimulation with topical application of a toll-like receptor agonist. This treatment, in situ photoimmunotherapy (ISPI), provides an alternative to traditional therapies for melanoma patients with cutaneous metastases. A 6-week cycle of ISPI is carried out on cutaneous metastases located in a designated 20 × 20 cm treatment area: 2 weeks of pretreatment with twice-daily topical applications of imiquimod (5% cream under plastic occlusion), with a laser treatment session at week 2 and again at week 4. Topical imiquimod is continued for the entire 6-week cycle. Two patients with late-stage melanoma were treated with ISPI. Patient 1 had the primary tumour and local metastases on the left arm, as well as metastatic tumours in the lungs [American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV]. Patient 2 had a head and neck melanoma with multiple local metastases (AJCC stage IIIC), which had failed repeated attempts at surgical resection and high-dose radiation therapy. Patient 1 is now free of all clinically detectable tumours (including the lung metastases) >20 months after the first treatment cycle. Patient 2 has been free of any clinical evidence of the tumour for over 6 months. These two cases demonstrate that ISPI can clear local tumour and trigger beneficial systemic responses, with a side-effect profile that compares favourably with other treatments for advanced melanoma. [source]

    Is head and neck melanoma a distinct entity?

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
    A clinical registry-based comparative study in 5702 patients with melanoma
    Summary Background, The head and neck region is more heavily exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation than any other body site. Therefore, cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) of the head and neck area is proposed to have notable differences from melanoma at other body sites regarding clinicopathological features and survival of patients. Objectives, The present retrospective study based on clinical registry data aims to compare clinical features and prognostic factors of head and neck melanoma (HNM) vs. melanoma at other anatomical regions (MOR) in order to detect differences which may be associated to the mode of sun exposure. Methods, The clinical records and histopathological findings of 844 patients with clinical stage I and II invasive HNM were compared with the data of 4858 patients with MOR. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan,Meier estimate, and the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate independent prognostic factors. Results, Melanoma density was clearly higher for HNM than for MOR: this was particularly true for the face, where it was elevated by a factor of 2·6. There was a higher male/female ratio in patients with HNM and they were significantly older than patients with MOR (P < 0·0001). Breslow tumour thickness did not differ between HNM and MOR. However, CMMs at the scalp were significantly thicker and to a higher degree ulcerated. Concerning clinicopathological CMM subtypes, there was an increased proportion of lentigo maligna melanoma among HNM and of nodular melanoma in the scalp and neck regions. Excision margins were narrower and the rate of complete primary excision was lower in HNM than in MOR. Overall, there was no significant statistical difference in cumulative 10-year survival rates according to Kaplan,Meier estimates among patients with HNM (84·6%) and MOR (87·8%). Tumour thickness turned out to be the variable with the highest prognostic impact followed by ulceration in both HNM and MOR. Conclusions, In relation to the skin surface significantly more CMMs were found in the head and neck area than in other anatomical regions. This might indicate, but does not prove, that UV exposure promotes the development of CMM. Although HNM showed specific clinicopathological features, prognosis remained unaffected. Thus HNM seems not to be a distinct subtype of CMM. [source]