Lower limb cutaneous melanoma surgery: location matters

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Cutaneous melanoma prognosis is influenced by anatomical site.
• The prognostic significance of specific lower limb locations in melanoma requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prognosis of lower limb cutaneous melanoma based on its specific location (thigh, leg, foot).
• To identify other potential variables influencing outcomes in lower limb melanoma.

Main Methods:

• Real-world data observational study design.
• Classification of melanomas based on location: thigh, leg, and foot.
• Bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess survival rates.

Main Results:

• Melanomas located on the foot exhibited a significantly lower melanoma-specific survival rate compared to proximal sites.
• Anatomical location was the sole statistically significant factor for predicting higher mortality risk and lower disease-free survival in distal lower limb melanomas.

Conclusions:

• A more distal location of cutaneous melanoma on the lower limb is a significant prognostic indicator.
• Foot melanomas carry a poorer prognosis, emphasizing the importance of anatomical site in melanoma management.