Fractal quantification of the microvasculature heterogeneity in cutaneous melanoma.
BACKGROUND
Recent advances in angiogenesis research have led to the introduction of new prognosis factors. Although the vessel count is effective in breast cancer, the prognosis of primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) does not seems to be directly influenced by this parameter. However, the microscopic examination of PCM suggests variability in the repartition of the microvasculature.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the possibility of extracting information about the vessel distribution by performing a textural analysis on the grey level of histological sections by means of fractal characterization by both Fourier spectrum and multifractal analysis.


RESULTS
Three different patterns of vasculature were identified according to the vessel density and distribution.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to differentiate and quantify clearly the differences in the microvessel profile organization using the fractal and multifractal methods.
D017709:Fractals; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008545:Melanoma / Q000098:blood supply*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D008853:Microscopy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*