Melanoma of the head and neck: current concepts in staging, diagnosis, and management.
Major advances in the understanding of the causes and risk factors for melanoma and for the prevention and management of this tumor have taken place since the beginning of the past century, when the diagnosis of melanoma was synonymous with death. As many as 80% of early melanomas can be cured, and a high rate of locoregional control for even far-advanced melanoma is plausible. The major challenge for the years to come lies in curtailing the steady rise in the incidence of melanoma by increasing patient education and adopting measures to prevent the increasing mortality rates associated with this disease. Cure rates can be improved by early diagnosis by physicians and instant referral to experienced oncologists. Finally, new advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies carry the hope for further improvements in locoregional control and survival rates.
Younes
Maher N
MN
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Box 441, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
Myers
Jeffrey N
JN
D001706:Biopsy; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010808:Physical Examination; D012307:Risk Factors; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013473:Sunscreening Agents