Toward a better understanding of sinonasal mucosal melanoma: clinical review of 23 cases
- PMID: 17276929
- DOI: 10.1016/S1726-4901(09)70296-5
Toward a better understanding of sinonasal mucosal melanoma: clinical review of 23 cases
Abstract
Background: Primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma is a rare disease, occurring far less often than cutaneous lesions. The objective of this study was to review the records of patients diagnosed with primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 23 patients with sinonasal mucosal melanoma who were treated at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between 1982 and 2002.
Results: Sixteen of the 23 patients were male and 7 were female; their mean age was 68.2 years (range, 39-87 years). At diagnosis, the melanoma was limited to lesions located in the sinonasal area in 20 patients, and had spread in 3 patients. Local recurrence developed in 9 patients, neck metastasis in 5, and distant metastasis in 19. The 5-year disease-specific survival and local control rates were 22.26% and 52.30%, respectively.
Conclusion: In our experience, primary sinonasal mucosa melanoma is prone to spread from the site of origin. The major obstacle in improving overall survival is achieving systemic control.
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