Primary melanoma of skin of the breast region

Primary melanoma of skin of the breast region accounted for less than 5% of all malignant melanomas. During a two-year period, 12 patients were seen with these unique lesions. It appears that wide excision and prophylactic lymphadenectomy, including radical mastectomy, gave the best long-term local and regional control. Dissection of the internal mammary nodes did not seem to be beneficial. Pertinent literatures emphasizing several important pathological factors which correlate with higher incidence of metastases to the regional lymph nodes are reviewed. A rational therapeutic approach, synthesizing above information and incorporating postoperative adjuvant immunotherapy, is suggested.