Growth dynamics of malignant melanomas. A photodocumentary investigation

Abstract

Series of "private" photographs taken of patients over many years can greatly aid in following the course of development of malignant melanomas. In one case of superficial spreading melanoma, the pigmented lesion displayed spread around the entire circumference, maintaining its round shape throughout its course. The other tumors enlarged by focused spreading at various points along the border, changing in shape over several years of development. The temporary appearacne of two closely adjacent pigmented lesions frequently occurred during the early development of malignant melanomas, followed by fusion after progressive spread. Lentigo maligna melanoma showed the greatest continuous alteration of shape. Different tumor types observed over similar periods of time showed different dynamics of growth with reference to shape (horizontal spreading growth) and depth to invasion (vertical growth).

One-year follow-up of a lentigo maligna: first dermoscopic signs of growth

“…In a clinical study concerning growth dynamics of malignant melanoma, Paul found that lentigo maligna or lentigo maligna melanoma seemed to show the greatest continuous alteration of shape. 8 This finding was also apparent in our patient when comparing the clinical images at the first visit and 1 year later. As Paul performed the evaluation in the Ôpredermoscopy eraÕ, our case additionally shows the importance of dermoscopy in providing specific diagnostic criteria within the lesion.…”

“…Our case included evaluation of the identification card photograph and of data remembered by the patient, and confirms that long‐term growth process. In a clinical study concerning growth dynamics of malignant melanoma, Paul found that lentigo maligna or lentigo maligna melanoma seemed to show the greatest continuous alteration of shape 8 . This finding was also apparent in our patient when comparing the clinical images at the first visit and 1 year later.…”

Factors Related to Thickness of Melanoma

“…It is likely that the durations of the lesions related by many patients are unreliable. Not infrequently, by reviewing photographs taken years before patients recalled having lesions, pre‐existence of a pigmented lesion at the site of the eventual development of a malignant melanoma was identified 20 …”

Das Ovarialkarzinom: Score-Werte zur Definition von Risikopatientinnen

“…Ganz ähnliche Überlegungen kann man sicherlich bei vielen soliden Tumoren anstellen, die sich in epithelialen Strukturen entwickeln. Das maligne Melanom der Haut ist in dieser Hinsicht der ideale Früherkennungstumor, der sich über viele Jahre "vor unseren Augen" entwickelt [36]. Anhand photokatamnestischer Studien kön-nen Wachstumsverläufe katamnestisch über viele Jahre beobachtet werden, in denen sich Primärtumorenvom Patienten unerkanntentwickelten.…”