Mucosal melanomas of the head and neck: experience of the Princess Margaret Hospital

Head Neck. 2008 Oct;30(10):1325-31. doi: 10.1002/hed.20878.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic variables in mucosal melanoma of the head and neck.

Methods: A retrospective review of 61 cases over a 41-year period was undertaken. Local, regional, and distant failures were major outcome measures. Demographic, clinical, and pathological parameters were identified and correlated with outcomes.

Results: The median age at diagnosis was 68 years. Sinonasal cavity involvement occurred in 80.3% of patients and 16.4% occurred in the oral cavity. Local, regional, and distant recurrences were 60.7%, 19.7%, and 49.2%, respectively. Two-year and 5-year disease-free survivals were 25.8% and 8%, respectively. Disease-specific survival at 5 years was 28.7%. Age<50 years significantly correlated with a longer median survival time.

Conclusion: The most common occurrence site was the sinonasal cavity. Local and distant recurrences are common irrespective of treatment modalities. Younger patients have a relatively better prognosis. Disseminated disease is common and the overall prognosis is poor.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Mouth Neoplasms / therapy
  • Nose Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Nose Neoplasms / therapy
  • Ontario
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome