Morphometric analysis in prognostic evaluation of stage I thick cutaneous melanomas

Abstract

Objective: To determine if morphometric analysis could be useful in distinguishing between good and adverse prognosis in thick melanomas.

Study design: The study group consisted of 30 cutaneous melanomas (CM) (18 superficial spreading, 11 nodular and 1 acral lentiginous) measuring 1.5-14.8 mm in diameter. Area, perimeter, roundness and aspect ratio of 200 nuclei (100 in the superficial areas and 100 in the lower area) were morphometrically studied. After five years of follow-up, 18 patients were alive, and 12 had died of the tumor. The data were evaluated with univariate and multivariate (Cox's proportional hazard model) analysis.

Results: Univariate analysis showed that area and perimeter of superficial and deep nuclei were significantly larger in CM patients than in controls (10 acquired intradermal nevi). Regarding the prognostic role of the variables considered, aspect ratio of the deep nuclei (SD only) was significantly associated with prognosis. Otherwise, size factors (area and perimeter) had no prognostic value.

Conclusion: Morphometric evaluation of nuclear shape factors in the subset of thick CM represents an additional prognostic tool with statistical significance.