Early Detection of Primary Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma of the Skin: Review and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital Experience

“…There are no simple characteristic features which encompass all melanomas that are seen. 9 The may be flat or raised, pink to deep black in color, hairy or not. The most common type of cutaneous melanoma encountered (70 percent of all cases) and the kind most closely related to ultraviolet exposure, is the superficial, spreading melanoma (SSM).…”

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients With Thin Melanoma

“…30,31 Clinically, areas of depigmentation within the tumor may be seen. [32][33][34] Tumor regression may be associated with a worsened prognosis, possibly reflective of more aggressive biological behavior 35 or underestimation of tumor depth. 36 Consequently, in patients with lesions of similar depth, regression has been associated with metastasis and a worsened prognosis, 14,16,18,19,[35][36][37][38][39] although these findings have been refuted.…”

Anatomic Site of Primary Melanoma Is Associated With Depth of Invasion

“…However, since the introduction of microstaging methods by Clark et al 1 and Breslow, 2 more accurate predictions can be made regarding prognosis. [3][4][5][6] Numerous studies have shown that while thin (Ͻ1.25 mm) melanomas are considered curable by simple excision alone, deeply invasive lesions have probably metastasized by the time of diagnosis. 7 The high curability rate of early melanoma has increased public awareness to the issue of their early detection, and although the incidence of melanoma is rising faster than that of any other cancer, 8,9 an increasing number of patients are being diagnosed at an early stage.…”