Sinonasal mucosal melanomas.
OBJECTIVE
Sinonasal mucosal melanomas account for approximately 1% of all melanomas. These tumors are particularly aggressive, with a recurrence rate between 37 and 54% and a 5-year survival rate between 20 and 46%. Metastases are frequent. The main objective of this study was to analyze all of our cases of sinonasal mucosal melanomas and determine any prognostic factors.


METHODS
All our cases of sinonasal mucosal melanoma over a period of 10 years were included. Ten cases were analyzed. The mean age was 71 years (range: 61-85 years) for seven women and three men. The clinical, radiological, anatomopathological, and surgical data as well as the characteristics of disease progression were analyzed. These data were compared to those reported in the literature.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up was 36.3 months (range: 2-96 months). The 5-year overall survival was 40%. Seven patients developed local recurrences after a mean follow-up of 16 months (range: 2-27 months) with associated metastases in three cases. Analysis of the prognostic factors showed that tumors classified as T1 and limited to the nasal fossae had a better prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Sinonasal mucosal melanomas are rare tumors with a high mortality rate. Treatment of these tumors requires extensive surgical treatment associated with external radiotherapy.
Liétin
B
B
Service d'ORL et de chirurgie de la face et du cou, université d'Auvergne, CHU, BP 69, 58, rue Montalembert, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 01, France.
Montalban
A
A
Louvrier
C
C
Kemeny
J-L
JL
Mom
T
T
Gilain
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies