Malignant Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma of the Nasal Septum (A Case Report with Brief Review of Literature)

“…Becker (1954) found that out of 169 lesions diagnosed on clinical grounds as malignant melanoma, only 43 per cent, were confirmed by biopsy, and conversely among 151 specimens histologically diagnosed, only 48 per cent, were diagnosed clinically as malignant melanoma. McMullan and Hubener (1956) have also corroborated such a finding with regard to these tumours. According to Beerman et al (1955), among all the essentials of the histopathological picture of malignant melanoma, the key is "anaplasia", and though not a feature of early lesions, its presence is of prognostic value.…”

“…It is understood that the Chinese, as a race, seem to show special susceptibility to this type of tumour for the last 20 years. In a series of 358 cases of nasopharyngeal cases observed at the Head and Neck Service of the Memorial Hospital from 1935-50 in States, 37 were found to be Chinese (Martin and Quan, 1951). Digby et al (1941) have earlier pointed out that high incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer is also found in Hong Kong and Canton, and in cities like Amoy and Peiping.…”

“…It is believed by McNeer (1961) that the relation of trauma to the genesis of malignant melanoma, in a site like the foot, is as yet uncertain. The same holds true of septal malignant melanoma.…”