Differences in potentiation of melanoma growth by absorbable and nonabsorbable suture

This study demonstrates that various suture materials have different influences on tumor take and growth. When used in an area containing 10(5) or greater tumor cells, all suture types studied potentiated tumor growth. At subclinical tumor cell doses- that is, 1,000 or fewer cells that do not normally grow to a clinically detectable tumor- silk and steel increased tumor occurrence. In comparison, monofilament nylon, polyglycolic acid, and chromic suture did not potentiate tumor growth. This phenomenon of increased tumor growth associated with certain suture types appears to be related to the physical characteristics of the suture involved, although the interaction of the chemical breakdown products of the suture material with the local tumor cells is under investigation. The type of suture material used may play a significant role in the subsequent development of local recurrence of cancer.