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Prognostic significance of melanoma arising in the scalp
R Essner1, J H Wong, J S Economou
1Division of Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Clinic, UCLA School of Medicine 90024.
Abstract:
Thirty-five patients with stage I melanoma of the scalp were retrospectively reviewed and compared with similar patients with melanoma of the extremity and trunk. Patients with melanoma of the scalp were predominantly male. The 5-year survival rate was 89 percent. This compared favorably with similar patients with melanoma arising either in the trunk or the extremity. The prognosis of patients with stage I melanoma of the scalp is no worse than that of patients with melanoma arising in the trunk or extremity; therefore, they should be treated in a comparable manner.
Insights
Stage I melanoma of the scalp shows an 89% 5-year survival rate, comparable to trunk or extremity melanomas. Scalp melanoma patients are predominantly male and prognosis is favorable.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Melanoma is a significant skin cancer.
- Scalp melanomas present unique diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognosis of stage I melanoma of the scalp.
- To compare scalp melanoma outcomes with those of extremity and trunk melanomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 35 patients with stage I melanoma of the scalp.
- Comparison with a cohort of patients with melanoma of the extremity and trunk.
Main Results:
- Patients with scalp melanoma were predominantly male.
- The 5-year survival rate for scalp melanoma was 89%.
- This survival rate compared favorably with melanomas of the trunk and extremity.
Conclusions:
- Stage I melanoma of the scalp has a favorable prognosis.
- Treatment for scalp melanoma should be comparable to that for trunk and extremity melanomas.