Bone and liver imaging in regionally advanced melanoma

The clinical records of 94 patients with regionally advanced melanoma (nodal disease or regional satellites) were reviewed to determine the value of preoperative bone and liver imaging. Of 68 bone scans obtained, none were suggestive of metastases. of 97 liver imaging studies (computed tomography, scintiscan, or sonography) in 88 patients, only two were found to have demonstrable metastases. Liver enzyme elevation was present in both of these patients. Bone and liver imaging in the absence of signs or symptoms of dissemination by history, physical examination, chest x-ray, and enzyme determination for regionally advanced melanoma appears to be of little value unless the patient is involved in a protocol study.