[Prognostic histopathological features of cutaneous malignant melanomas. New statistical approach (author's transl)]

The records of 203 Cutaneous Malignant Melanomas treated at the Centre René Huguenin in Saint-Cloud from october, 1959 to december, 1978 were reviewed. The histologic data were reexamined and 155 cases were retained. Previously classified according to the histologic type and the invasion level of Clark, they were evaluated according to the thickness of the tumor by the ocular micrometer in 100 ths of a millimeter, as was done by Breslow. Other histologic data were collected for each case. Clinical and therapeutic informations and carcinologic events were gathered together. From this research, 155 cases were proved significant in accordance with Multifactorial Statistic Analysis. This study pointed out significant facts: 1) The thickness of the tumor is the utmost important factor, i.e. correlative with survival rate, recurrence and metastasis. 2) Starting with a short number of histologic and clinical variables it seems possible to draw a profile of a patient with cutaneous malignant melanoma and to obtain a precise prognosis and so prepare complementary treatment.