Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
A 10-year recurrence-free natural course of high-risk stage II cutaneous melanoma: A case report
Benedikt Bauer1, Marcel Mayrhofer2, Maximilian Zarfl3
1Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Graz.
Background:
pT4b melanoma of the skin, especially the nodular subtype with present ulceration, typically entails a poor prognosis with high risk for metastatic spread. The accuracy of classic risk prediction models lacks at times. When situated in the face, these malignancies can pose a specific challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Profound fears of cancer treatment further complicate the management of these cases.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of facial reconstruction in a 58-year-old female patient with a high-risk stage II melanoma with recurrence-free survival (RFS) despite an almost 10-year delay of surgical treatment due to existential fears.
Conclusions:
The presented case provides several key takeaways. First, from a dermatological standpoint, clinicians must expect the unexpected and should look for explanations. Second, from a reconstructive view, complex cases are rarely linear-staged revisions, and setbacks are integral to surgical success. Finally, from a human perspective, sincere empathy, and emotional intelligence are indispensable.
