Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
18.1K
Outcomes in patients with mucosal melanomas
Deborah S Keller1, Alan A Thomay, John Gaughan
1Department of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|October 18, 2013
Summary
Mucosal melanoma in the nasal, palate, or oral region has the poorest prognosis. Factors like lymphovascular invasion and tumor thickness significantly impact survival in these rare cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive cancer.
- Subtypes vary significantly in presentation and prognosis.
- Identifying predictive variables is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate distinct subtypes of mucosal melanoma.
- To identify specific clinical variables that predict patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective review of 73 mucosal melanoma patients from two tertiary care centers.
- Analysis of demographic and clinical data.
- Cox regression modeling to determine predictors of recurrence and survival.
Main Results:
- The nasal/palate/oral subtype showed the worst prognosis (median survival 9.7 months).
- Lymphovascular invasion, Caucasian race, tumor thickness, and advanced stage (T, M) were associated with decreased survival.
- Chemotherapy use also correlated with poorer outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The nasal, palate, and oral subtype of mucosal melanoma carries the worst prognosis.
- Further research into pathologic and genomic factors is needed to refine outcome prediction.
