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Cheek Cutaneous Melanomas: A Review of 98 Cases
1From the Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Most head and neck melanomas occur on the face, with the cheek being the most frequently affected site. So far, small numbers of researches on cheek melanomas have yielded insufficient and controversial results. In this trial, we aimed to define the histopathological and clinical features specific to cheek melanomas and to compare them with other head and neck melanomas by using a large group of patients from a single tertiary center.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 98 cheek melanomas and 183 other (noncheek) head and neck melanoma cases were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
The median age was 62 years and malar/zygomatic was the mostly affected site (78.6%). The cheek melanomas developed more frequently in females (61.2%) and most of them were associated with lentigo maligna histopathological subtype (49.2%) and early-stage disease (stage 0-II) (77.6%). The cheek melanomas were found more significantly associated with older patients (P = 0.05), females (P = 0.0001), lentigo maligna subtype (P = 0.0001), lower vertical growth phase (P = 0.03), and early-stage of disease (P = 0.0001) compared with other lesions that developed other sites. Furthermore, they were associated with lower relapse rates (18.6% vs 39.5%, P = 0.0001) and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of cheek melanomas was 80% (P = 0.002). Moreover, the 5-year overall survival rate of cheek melanomas was 62%, and they were found to be associated with a favorable overall survival (P = 0.004).
Conclusions:
Cheek melanomas are associated with lower relapse rates and favorable outcomes compared with other (noncheek) head and neck melanomas.
Insights
Cheek melanomas, often on the face, show distinct features and better outcomes than other head and neck melanomas. These melanomas have lower relapse rates and improved survival, indicating a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Head and neck melanomas commonly occur on the face, particularly the cheek.
- Previous research on cheek melanomas is limited and yields conflicting results.
- This study addresses the need for comprehensive analysis of cheek melanoma characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific histopathological and clinical features of cheek melanomas.
- To compare cheek melanomas with other head and neck melanomas.
- To evaluate outcomes and survival rates for cheek melanomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 98 cheek melanomas and 183 non-cheek head and neck melanomas.
- Data collected from a single tertiary care center.
- Statistical comparison of clinical and histopathological features, relapse rates, and survival.
Main Results:
- Cheek melanomas predominantly affect females (61.2%) and the malar/zygomatic region (78.6%).
- Associated with lentigo maligna subtype (49.2%) and early-stage disease (77.6%).
- Significantly lower relapse rates (18.6%) and higher 5-year recurrence-free survival (80%) compared to other sites.
Conclusions:
- Cheek melanomas exhibit unique characteristics compared to other head and neck melanomas.
- These melanomas are associated with significantly lower relapse rates.
- Cheek melanomas demonstrate favorable outcomes and improved overall survival.
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