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Correlation between lymphatic vessel density and microvessel density in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Mihaela Paula Toader1, Tatiana Ţăranu, Ştefan Toader
1Department of General and Oro-maxillo-facial Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iassy, Romania; toaderstefan@gmail.com.
Summary
Evaluating lymphatic vessel density in malignant melanoma can predict lymph node metastasis risk. Higher intratumoral lymphatic vessel density correlates with overall microvessel density, aiding prognostic assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer prone to early metastasis.
- Tumor progression is linked to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
- Lymphangiogenesis may indicate metastasis risk to regional lymph nodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lymphatic vessel density (LVD) with overall microvessel density (MVD) in melanoma.
- To assess the prognostic value of LVD in predicting lymph node metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Studied LVD and MVD in 12 invasive melanoma cases (Clark level III-IV).
- Used D2-40 antibody for lymphatics and CD31 for microvessels.
- Evaluated density via hot-spot method under microscopy; statistical analysis performed.
Main Results:
- Intratumoral lymphatics were smaller and irregular; peritumoral lymphatics were larger and regular.
- Intratumoral LVD correlated significantly with MVD.
- Increased vascular density observed in thick melanomas, especially with inflammation.
Conclusions:
- LVD evaluation is a potentially useful prognostic tool for melanoma.
- It may help identify patients at risk for lymph node metastasis.
