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A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Complete regression of primary malignant melanoma
Patrick O Emanuel1, Meghan Mannion, Robert G Phelps
1Division of Dermatopathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA. patrick.emanuel@mssm.edu
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|March 25, 2008
Summary
Complete regression of malignant melanoma is rare but indicates a poor prognosis. Our study found metastatic disease in both rare cases of complete regression, supporting this association.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Histopathologic studies on malignant melanoma regression show varied results.
- Discrepancies often stem from differing definitions of regression.
- Partial regression is common, but complete regression is rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significance of complete regression in malignant melanoma.
- To examine the association between complete regression and metastatic disease.
- To illustrate the histopathologic features of completely regressed primary melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of dermatopathology database.
- Identification and review of cases with complete regression of primary melanoma.
- Correlation with clinical and pathological findings, including metastatic status.
Main Results:
- Two cases of complete regression of primary malignant melanoma were identified.
- Both cases were associated with metastatic disease.
- One case initially raised suspicion for melanoma, leading to the discovery of lymph node metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Complete regression of primary malignant melanoma, though rare, is linked to a poor prognosis.
- These findings support the theory that completely regressed melanoma is associated with a higher likelihood of metastasis.
- Histopathologic identification of complete regression warrants thorough investigation for metastatic disease.
