Clinical and imaging research in the diagnosis of anorectal melanoma with surgical outcome: a case report and literature review

Objective: This study aims to report the case of a 69-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of anorectal melanoma (AM) established by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Clinical case report, a descriptive and qualitative study. Results: The patient had a nodular and ulcerative lesion in the anal region, the imaging exams revealed an expansive lesion that affected the rectum and the vaginal wall. The chosen course of treatment was initial surgical intervention, the surgery and postoperative course progressed without complications, and the anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of invasive malignant melanoma of the distal rectum of anorectal transition. The anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of invasive malignant melanoma located in the distal rectum of the anorectal transition. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed infiltrative melanoma with microsatellites, as well as peri and intratumoral lymphocytic infiltrate, angiolymphatic invasion, and perineural invasion. The surgical resection margins, ovaries, posterior vaginal wall, and parametrium showed no signs of neoplastic involvement. Following the surgery, the patient began immunotherapy, which she is still undergoing. Conclusions: The survival rate of AM can be improved through various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. However, further exploration of this topic through clinical studies is necessary to enhance both diagnosis and treatment. (AU)

Oncologic outcomes of surgical treatments of advanced sinonasal malignancies / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the prognoses of advanced (T3-T4) sinonasal malignancies (SNM). Methods: The clinical data of 229 patients with advanced (T3-4) SNM who underwent surgical treatments in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2000 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 162 males and 67 females, aged (46.8±18.5) years old. Among them, 167 cases received endoscopic surgery alone, 30 cases received assisted incision endoscopic surgery, and 32 cases received open surgery. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to explore significant prognostic factors. Results: The 3-year and 5-year OS were respectively 69.7% and 64.0%. The median OS time was 43 months. The 3-year and 5-year EFS were respectively 57.8% and 47.4%. The median EFS time was 34 months. The 5-year OS of the patients with epithelial-derived tumors was better than that of the patients with mesenchymal-derived tumors and malignant melanoma (5-year OS was respectively 72.3%, 47.8% and 30.0%, χ2=36.01, P<0.001). Patients with microscopically margin-negative resection (R0 resection) had the best prognosis, followed by macroscopically margin-negative resection (R1 resection), and debulking surgery was the worst (5-year OS was respectively 78.4%, 55.1% and 37.4%, χ2=24.63, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in 5-year OS between the endoscopic surgery group and the open surgery group (65.8% vs. 53.4%, χ2=2.66, P=0.102). Older patients had worse OS (HR=1.02, P=0.011) and EFS (HR=1.01, P=0.027). Patients receiving adjuvant therapy had a lower risk of death (HR=0.62, P=0.038). Patients with a history of nasal radiotherapy had a higher risk of recurrence (HR=2.48, P=0.002) and a higher risk of death (HR=2.03, P=0.020). Conclusion: For patients with advanced SNM, the efficacy of endoscopic surgery can be comparable to that of open surgery when presence of safe surgical margins, and a treatment plan based on transnasal endoscopic surgery as the main comprehensive treatment is recommended.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of anorectal melanoma: A report of 68 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of anorectal mucosal melanoma (ARMM), and to evaluate the prognostic factors.@*METHODS@#A total of 68 primary ARMM surgical specimens from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively studied. Slides were reviewed to evaluate pathological features. Slingluff staging method was used for staging.@*RESULTS@#(1) Clinical features: The median age at diagnosis in this group was 61.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio 1 ∶1.62. The most common complaint was blooding (49 cases). For anatomic site, anorectum was the prevalent (66.2%), followed by rectum (20.6%). At the time of diagnosis, 28 cases were stage Ⅰ (localized stage, 41.2%), 25 cases were stage Ⅱ (regional lymph node metastasis, 36.8%), and 15 cases were stage Ⅲ (distant metastasis, 22.1%). Five patients underwent wide local excision, the rest abdominoperineal resection, and 48 patients received adjuvant therapy after surgery. (2) Pathological features: Grossly 88.2% of the tumors were exophytic polypoid masses, with the median tumor size 3.5 cm and the median tumor thickness 1.25 cm. Depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae ranged from 0-5.00 cm (median 1.00 cm). The deepest site of tumor invasion reached muscular layer in 27 cases, and perirectal tissue in 16 cases. Melanin pigmentation was absent or not obvious in 67.6% of the cases. The predominant cytology was epithelioid (45 cases, 66.2%). The rate for ulceration, necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion was 89.7%, 35.3%, 55.9%, and 30.9%, respectively. The median mitotic count was 18/mm2. The positive rate of S100, HMB-45 and Melan-A were 92.0%, 92.6% and 98.0%, respectively. The median of Ki-67 was 50%. The incidences of mutations within CKIT, BRAF and NRAS genes were 17.0% (9 cases), 3.8% (2 cases) and 9.4% (5 cases), respectively. (3) Prognosis: Survival data were available in 66 patients, with a median follow-up of 17 months and a median survival time of 17.4 months. The 1-year, 2-year and 5-year overall survival rate was 76.8%, 36.8% and 17.2%, respectively. The rate of lymphatic metastasis at diagnosis was 56.3%. Forty-nine patients (84.5%) suffered from distant metastasis, and the most frequent metastatic site was liver. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size (>3.5 cm), depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae (>1.0 cm), necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, BRAF gene mutation, lack of adjuvant therapy after surgery, deep site of tumor invasion, and high stage at diagnosis were all poor prognostic factors for overall survival. Multivariate model showed that lymphovascular invasion and BRAF gene mutation were independent risk factors for lower overall survival, and high stage at diagnosis showed borderline negative correlation with overall survival.@*CONCLUSION@#The overall prognosis of ARMM is poor, and lymphovascular invasion and BRAF gene mutation are independent factors of poor prognosis. Slingluff staging suggests prognosis effectively, and detailed assessment of pathological features, clear staging and genetic testing should be carried out when possible. Depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae of the tumor might be a better prognostic indicator than tumor thickness.

Does the pattern of lymphatic drainage influence the risk of nodal recurrence in trunk melanoma patients with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Abstract Background: There are conflicting data regarding the prognostic value of the lymphatic basin drainage pattern in melanoma patients and the evidence is scant in the setting of negative sentinel lymph node biopsy. Objective: To investigate whether the pattern of lymphatic basin drainage influences the risk of nodal disease in patients with melanoma of the trunk and negative sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods: A case series of patients with trunk melanoma and negative sentinel lymph node biopsy was retrospectively evaluated. Clinicopathological features, the pattern of lymphatic drainage and nodal, metastatic, and overall recurrence-free survival were reviewed. Results: Of the 135 patients included, multiple lymphatic basin drainage was identified in 61 (45.2%). Ten of the 74 (13.5%) patients with single drainage developed nodal recurrence, compared with 2 of the 61 (3.6%) patients with multiple drainages (p = 0.04). Nodal recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the group with multiple drainages than in the group with single drainage (175.6 vs. 138.7 months; p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, single drainage was associated with a higher risk of nodal recurrence (HR = 4.54; p = 0.05). No significant differences in metastatic and overall recurrence-free survival were found between groups. Study limitations: Retrospective analysis, single-center study, small sample, detailed histopathologic information not always present. Conclusions: In patients with trunk melanoma and negative sentinel lymph node biopsy, multiple lymphatic basin drainage may be an independent risk factor for nodal disease recurrence. This factor may help to identify patients with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy with a higher risk of nodal recurrence.

Dermal substitutes: an alternative for the reconstruction of large full-thickness defects in the plantar surface

Abstract Large defects in plantar surface secondary to acral melanoma excision can be difficult to repair with local flaps, and skin grafts in weight-bearing surfaces often suffer necrosis causing prolonged disability. Acellular dermal matrices represent an easy alternative to cover deep wounds or those with bone or tendon exposure. Despite their high cost and the requirement of two surgical procedures, this alternative may offer excellent functional and aesthetic results in acral defects.

Recidiva intestinal única de melanoma cutáneo maligno: reporte de un caso / Intestinal relapse of a cutaneous melanoma: report of one case

Digestive tract primary melanoma is uncommon. However, metastatic lesions are more frequent and occur mainly in the small intestine. We report a 69-year-old male patient who consulted for a hyperpigmented skin lesion on the left thigh associated with multiple subcutaneous nodules. The biopsy was compatible with melanoma and PET/CT was positive for metastases in nodules and in an inguinal lymph node. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy with pembrolizumab were performed with good response, associated with posterior resection of the inguinal lymph node and melanocytic lesions. At three years of follow-up, a new hypermetabolic focus in the proximal jejunum was found in a control PET/CT. An endoscopic biopsy confirmed that it was a recurrence of the melanoma. Laparoscopic resection with primary anastomosis was performed with good clinical evolution. The definitive biopsy showed a melanoma metastasis with two of three lymph nodes positive for metastasis and a non-mutated BRAF gene. In conclusion, a single intestinal recurrence of melanoma is rare and requires an active search, since it can be resected using minimally invasive techniques.

Recurrence of melanoma in the scar after excised Spitz nevus in a 17-year-old child

Abstract Melanoma in childhood is rare and its diagnosis is more difficult than in adults, as it often presents histologic features overlapping with the Spitz nevus. The authors report the case of a 17-year old boy who was first diagnosed with Spitz nevus, however, the final diagnosis made after the excision of the tumor arising in the scar was changed to melanoma. The case in this present study emphasizes the importance of the differential diagnosis of skin tumors in young patients.

Tumores cutáneos de colisión / Cutaneous collision tumors

Los tumores de colisión consisten en neoplasias compuestas por dos poblaciones celulares distintas que mantienen una clara diferenciación de sus bordes y que se encuentran adyacentes una de otra en la misma muestra histopatológica. Esta asociación puede corresponder a dos tumores malignos, dos benignos o uno maligno y uno benigno. Son infrecuentes y, en ocasiones, representan un desafío clínico para la detección correcta de ambas neoplasias. Se presenan los casos de tres pacientes con tumores cutáneos de colisión, de estirpe melanocítica combinada con queratinocítica; en dos de ellos ambas neoplasias fueron malignas y en uno, se asociaron una lesión maligna y una benigna.

Collision tumors consist of neoplasms composed of two different cell populations that maintain a clear differentiation of their borders, and that are adjacent to each other in the same histopathological sample. This association can correspond to two malignant tumors, two benign, or one malignant and one benign. They are infrequent and, at times, represent a clinical challenge for the correct detection of both neoplasms. Three cases of cutaneous collision tumors of a melanocytic line combined with a keratinocytic line are presented, two of them in which both neoplasms were malignant and one that associated a malignant and a benign lesion.

Mohs micrographic surgery: a review of indications, technique, outcomes, and considerations

Abstract Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized form of skin cancer surgery that has the highest cure rates for several cutaneous malignancies. Certain skin cancers can have small extensions or "roots" that may be missed if an excised tumor is serially cross-sectioned in a "bread-loaf" fashion, commonly performed on excision specimens. The method of Mohs micrographic surgery is unique in that the dermatologist (Mohs surgeon) acts as both surgeon and pathologist, from the preoperative considerations until the reconstruction. Since Dr. Mohs's initial work in the 1930s, the practice of Mohs micrographic surgery has become increasingly widespread among the dermatologic surgery community worldwide and is considered the treatment of choice for many common and uncommon cutaneous neoplasms. Mohs micrographic surgery spares the maximal amount of normal tissue and is a safe procedure with very few complications, most of them managed by Mohs surgeons in their offices. Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for high risks basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and is commonly and increasingly used for melanoma and other rare tumors with superior cure rates. This review better familiarizes the dermatologists with the technique, explains the difference between Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision, and discusses its main indications.

Melanoma subungueal: un reto diagnóstico para los médicos / Subungual melanoma: a diagnostic challenge for doctors

El melanoma subungueal es un subgrupo del melanoma acral lentiginoso. Con frecuencia se diagnostica en etapa avanzada, dada la escasez de síntomas; de ahí que la evaluación y el tratamiento oportuno mejoran el pronóstico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 44 años de edad, que acude a consulta de Ortopedia con melanoniquia de tres meses de evolución. Había sido tratado en la atención primaria de salud por un hematoma secundario a un trauma directo sobre la falange distal del primer artejo del pie izquierdo. Fue seguido por consulta externa de Ortopedia y, al no experimentar una evolución adecuada, fue evaluado por la Comisión Provincial de Tumores Periféricos. Se le realizó una biopsia por punch (sacabocado), que arrojó el resultado de melanoma subungueal. Se realizó la amputación del primer artejo y del proximal del primer metatarsiano, una vez verificada la no existencia de lesiones metastásicas, con excelente resultado estético y funcional, sin mostrar recidiva en su seguimiento, a dos años de su intervención(AU)

Subungual melanoma is a subgroup of lentiginous acral melanoma. It is often diagnosed in an advanced stage by a shortage of symptoms, so timely evaluation and treatment improve prognosis. This is the case of a 44-year-old patient who goes to orthopedics with melanonichia 3 months of evolution. He had been treated for a bruise secondary to direct trauma to the distal phalanx of the first left foot ailre in primary health care. It was followed by external orthopedic consultation and by not following an adequate evolution was evaluated by the provincial commission of peripheral tumors. He was given a punch biopsy resulting in a subungual melanoma. The amputation of the first artejo and proximal first metatarsal was carried out, once verified the non-existence of metastatic lesions, with excellent aesthetic and functional result, without showing relapse in its follow-up to two years(AU)

The current role of surgery in the treatment of cardiac metastases from malignant melanoma: an educational presentation

Abstract A 71 year-old male with a history of multiple excisions of an initial Clark's level V melanoma of the breast followed by combined radiation and interferon treatment, as well as a recurrence, 3 years later, of a BRAF-positive tumor of the shoulder, with subsequent therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib, presented again with progressive intracardiac masses causing significant right ventricular outflow obstruction. Additionally, the patient complained of dyspnea and fatigue on exertion, thus he was scheduled for surgical resection.

Ear melanoma: a four-case series

Abstract External ear melanoma is rare, and early diagnosis and treatment are paramount for the patient's survival. Four clinical cases are reported, emphasizing the importance of the routine clinical examination of the ears in the dermatological consultation. The study included male and female patients, aged 60 to 81 years old, with melanocytic lesions in the outer ear, evaluated with detailed physical and dermoscopic examination, leading to the identification of lesions suggestive of melanoma. The cases were treated surgically with excision of the lesion, and the diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological study. The therapeutic approach was instituted early as most cases were diagnosed at an early stage, which directly impacted global survival.

Melanoma de escroto en un paciente de mediana edad / Scrotum melanoma in a middle-age patient

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 42 años de edad, de piel negra, que asistió a la consulta de Cirugía de Tumores Periféricos en el Hospital Oncológico Docente Provincial Conrado Benítez García de Santiago de Cuba, por presentar una lesión oscura hiperpigmentada en el lado izquierdo del escroto, próxima a la región del rafe, de aproximadamente 4 mm y bordes irregulares, que no elevaba la piel ni dolía. Se realizó exéresis de la lesión y el estudio histopatológico reveló la existencia de un melanoma, sin ulceración ni satelitosis, con crecimiento radial, por lo que se profundizó en el área operada en busca de márgenes sin afectación y se resecaron los ganglios linfáticos inguinales bilaterales de manera profiláctica. Luego se indicó quimioterapia e inyecciones de interferón. El paciente mantenía una evolución favorable hasta el año y medio después de operado.

The case report of a 42 years, black skin patient is described, he attended the Peripheral Tumors Surgery Service in Conrado Benítez García Teaching Provincial Cancer Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, due to a hyperpigmented dark lesion in the left side of the scrotum, next to the raphe region, of approximately 4 mm and irregular borders that didn't elevate the skin or hurted. An excision of the lesion was carried out and the histological and pathological study revealed the existence of a melanoma, without ulceration or satelitosis, with radial growth, reason why there was a deep examination of the operated area in search of margins without affectation and the bilateral groin lymph nodes were dried up in a prophylactic way. Then chemotherapy and interferon injections were indicated. The patient maintained a favorable clinical course until a year and a half after the surgery.

Comparación entre los melanomas de cabeza y cuello con los de tronco y extremidades / Comparison between head and neck melanomas with trunk and extremity melanomas

Antecedentes: los melanomas en cabeza y cuello (MCC) han sido asociados con factores pronósticos diferentes de aquellos en otras localizaciones. Objetivo: comparar características demográficas, clínicas y resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con MCC y pacientes con melanomas en tronco y extremidades (MTE). Material y métodos: se llevó a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de pacientes operados por melanoma entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2017. Quince pacientes (22,3%) tuvieron MCC y 52 (77,7%) MTE. Resultados: ambos grupos tuvieron edad similar (63,8 ± 21,1 versus 58,5 ± 16), pero los MCC mostraron una tendencia con predominio masculino (80% versus 61,3%). Los MCC tuvieron menor espesor tumoral que los MTE (2,07 versus 5,5 mm) y mayor porcentaje de melanoma in situ, 5 (33,3%) versus 8 (15,3%), pero requirieron vaciamientos ganglionares más a menudo (33% versus 25%) así como reconstrucción del defecto primario con colgajos locales y miocutáneos. Durante el seguimiento, en el grupo de MCC, dos pacientes desarrollaron recidivas locales que fueron extirpadas, y otros tres desarrollaron metástasis a distancia en pulmón, intestino delgado y abdomen y fallecieron por la enfermedad; en el grupo de MTE un paciente tuvo recidiva local y cinco fallecieron de metástasis sistémicas. El tamaño de la muestra no permitió aplicar pruebas de significación entre las diferencias encontradas. Conclusión: los MCC se presentan en un amplio rango de edad y estadios, y tuvieron algunas diferencias clínicas con el MTE. Los defectos producidos por la extirpación de la lesión primaria requieren procedimientos reconstructivos más complejos la mayoría de las veces y se aconseja un abordaje multidisciplinario.

Background: Head and neck melanomas (HNMs) have been associated with prognostic factors different from those on other locations. Objective: The goal of the present study was to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics and the outcomes of surgical treatment between patients with HNM and those with trunk and extremity melanoma (TEM). Material and methods: The clinical records of patients undergoing surgery for melanoma between October 2014 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients (22.3%) had HNM and 52 (77.7) presented TEM. Results: There were no differences in age between both groups (63.8 ± 21.1 versus 58.5 ± 16), but there was a trend toward higher percentage of men in the HNM group (80% versus 61.3%). Patients with HNM had lower tumor thickness than those with TEM (2.07 versus 5.5 mm), higher incidence of melanoma in situ [5 (33.3%) versus 8 (15.3%)]; lymph node resection was more common (33% versus 25%) as well as reconstruction of the primary defect with local and musculocutaneous flaps. During follow-up, two patients in the HNM group developed local recurrences that were excised and three presented distant metastases in the lung, small bowel and abdomen and finally died due to the disease. In the TEM group, one patient had local recurrence and five died due to systemic metastases. The sample size was not sufficient to assess statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Head and neck melanomas occur in a wide age range and stages and has some clinical differences with TEM. The defects produced after the excision of the primary lesion often require more complex procedures and should be managed with a multidisciplinary approach.

Melanoma uveal de cuerpo ciliar / Uveal melanoma of ciliary body

RESUMEN El objetivo de este reporte de caso fue identificar las características de un nevo abultado conjuntival en una paciente femenina de 72 años de edad. Se muestran las pruebas complementarias realizadas para llegar al diagnóstico de melanoma conjuntival, que consiste en un tumor poco frecuente, el cual constituye el 2 por ciento de todos los tumores del ojo. Las células involucradas son los melanocitos del epitelio conjuntival. Un factor de riesgo para esta entidad puede ser la exposición a la luz ultravioleta; sin embargo, esto no está bien determinado. La mayoría de los casos se originan de una melanosis adquirida primaria (50-70 por ciento). La presentación más común es una lesión pigmentada, unilateral, elevada, gruesa, con vasos sanguíneos y áreas de melanosis a su alrededor. Su diagnóstico se realiza con la sospecha clínica que se confirma con el estudio histopatológico. El tratamiento en la actualidad es la excisión local, seguida de crioterapia, radioterapia o quimioterapia. La enfermedad matastásica ocurre en el 11 - 42 por ciento y en el 20 - 52 por ciento de los pacientes en un seguimiento de 5 y 10 años, respectivamente(AU)

ABSTRACT The objective of this case report is to describe the characteristics of a conjunctival bulging nevus in a 72-year-old female patient and the complementary tests that were performed to reach the diagnosis of conjunctival melanoma. Conjunctival melanoma is a rare tumor, which account for 2 percent of all eye tumors. The cells involved are the melanocytes of the conjunctival epithelium. A risk factor for this entity may be exposure to ultraviolet light. However, it has not been precisely described. Most cases originate from a primary acquired melanosis (50-70 percent). The most common presentation is a pigmented, unilateral, elevated, thick, lesion with blood vessels and areas of melanosis around it. Its diagnosis is made with the clinical suspicion confirmed with the histopathological study. Current treatment is local excision, followed by cryotherapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Metastatic disease occurs in 11-42 percent and 20-52 percent of patients in a 5-year and 10-year follow-up, respectively(AU)

Complicaciones de la radioterapia: fenómeno de Lhermitte gatillado por calor: caso clínico / Complications of radiotherapy: Lhermitte phenomenon triggered by heat: report of one case

Lhermitte phenomenon is a neurological symptom described as a sensation of electric shock that radiates from the back towards the extremities, which appears when a patient flexes the neck. A transient myelopathy as a late complication of radiotherapy is associated with this symptom. It appears two to four months after treatment and disappears spontaneously. We report a 45 years old female with a neck malignant melanoma treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. She experienced the Lhermitte phenomenon that was triggered by heat. This phenomenon must be differentiated from the Uhthoff phenomenon.

Uso da técnica em "spaghetti" para tratamento cirúrgico do lentigo maligno / Use of the "spaghetti" technique for surgical treatment of lentigo maligna

O lentigo maligno (LM) é uma forma de melanoma in situ que mais comumente se apresenta como uma mácula de crescimento lentamente progressivo, pigmentada, na face de idosos com pele danificada pelo sol. Esse melanoma in situ tem um risco (30% a 50%) de progressão para lentigo maligno melanoma. A excisão cirúrgica completa da lesão requer margens de pelo menos 10mm, mesmo para lesões in situ. Porém, quando o crescimento de LM ocorre em áreas de implicações estéticas ou funcionais (face, pescoço, solas), a excisão é frequentemente reduzida para preservar estruturas anatômicas importantes e por razões cosméticas. Além disso, as margens periféricas podem ser clinicamente mal definidas e nem sempre pigmentadas, com extensão subestimada e risco de ressecção insuficiente. A "técnica de espaguete", descrita por Gaudy Marqueste, é uma cirurgia estratégica baseada na amostragem de uma faixa de tecido "spaghettilike" para determinar as margens da lesão antes da remoção do tumor. Após a confirmação anatomopatológica de margens livres de neoplasia, a lesão principal central é ressecada, permitindo a reconstrução do defeito no mesmo procedimento, sendo uma alternativa à cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs.(AU)

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a melanoma in situ that commonly presents as a macula with progressive and irregularly pigmented growth, especially in the face of elderly people with sun-damaged skin. This melanoma in situ has a risk (30-50%) of progression to lentigo maligna melanoma. Complete surgical excision of the lesion requires margins of at least 10 mm, even for lesions in situ. However, when the growth of LM occurs in areas of aesthetic or functional implications (face, neck, and soles), the excision is often reduced to preserve important anatomic structures and for cosmetic purposes. Moreover, the peripheral margins may be clinically ill-defined and not always pigmented, and thus, such cases are associated with underestimated extension and risk of insufficient resection. The "spaghetti" technique, described by Gaudy Marqueste, is a strategic surgical approach based on sampling of a range of "spaghetti-like" strips to determine the margins of the lesion prior to removal of the tumor. After the pathological confirmation of neoplasia-free margins, the main central lesion is resected, allowing reconstruction of the defect in the same procedure, as an alternative to Mohs micrographic surgery. (AU)

Biopsia del ganglio centinela en melanomas en nuestro medio / Sentinel node biopsy in patients with melanomas

A sentinel node biopsy is a procedure in which the sentinel lymph node is identified, removed and examined to determine whether cancer cells are present. It´s used most commonly in evaluating breast cancer and melanoma. The sentinel nodes are the first few lymph nodes into which a tumor drains. The sentinel nodes are removed and analyzed in a laboratory. Melanoma is a tumor of melanocyte origin. There is a considerable evidence that early recognition and surgical removal of melanoma makes this a highly curable cancer. Because early detection of melanoma results in a high frequency of cure it is important to recognize the lesion in the earliest stages. Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from the pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes, and is the most aggressive and life-threatening skin cancer. Sentinel node biopsy is a surgical procedure to determine whether cancer has spread beyond a primary tumor into the lymphatic system. Removal and examination of the sentinel lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread from the primary tumor, are supposed to be an useful tool to prevent early this spread. In this paper the authors present their experience with the management of this procedure.