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A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
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Internal Pathology Review of Invasive Melanoma: An Academic Institution Experience
Chelsea Isom1, Mary Hooks2, Rondi M Kauffmann2
1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of General Surgery, Nashville, Tennessee.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|February 12, 2020
Summary
Internal pathology review (IPR) for melanoma frequently alters pathology findings, impacting patient staging and surgical management. These reviews are crucial for optimal melanoma care at specialized centers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Internal pathology review (IPR) of melanoma commonly results in changes to pathology analysis.
- The clinical impact of these pathology changes and modifications to margin status reporting remains unevaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in staging and surgical management following IPR for newly diagnosed melanomas.
- To evaluate the correlation between final surgical pathology reports and IPR findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 370 invasive melanoma cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2016.
- Inclusion of cases referred to a single National Comprehensive Cancer Network tertiary care center.
Main Results:
- Mitotic rate (41.7%) and Breslow depth (26.9%) were most frequently altered post-IPR.
- Tumor staging changes occurred in 12.2% of cases, often upgrading from T1a to T1b, affecting 10.3% overall.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy recommendations changed for 5.9% of patients, with one positive node identified.
Conclusions:
- IPR of invasive melanoma leads to significant changes in both tumor staging and surgical management.
- IPR is an essential component of melanoma patient care within tertiary referral centers.
