The influence of clinical and histopathological characteristics upon survival in melanoma patients.
The clinical and histopathological features of melanoma were selected which may have an effect upon the 5-year-survival of melanoma patients, and serve as prognostic factors. 165 patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma were analysed and followed up for 5 years at least, during the period 1967-1982. The depth of invasion, tumour thickness, the presence of exulceration and the clinicopathological type of the primary tumour related to complexion have been found reliable prognosticators in order to predict further outcome in terms of minimal and possible 5-year-survival calculated by the life table method. The anatomical site of primary tumours gives a clue to the possible lymphatic drainage and, added to other relevant factors mentioned above, is also helpful in the planning of surgical intervention. Considering measurable prognostic factors of a great significance upon survival, rather additional elective lymph node dissection combined with adjuvant treatment than increased local surgery are advised.
Lukács
L
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1st Department of Surgery, University Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology; D016019:Survival Analysis