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Current Oncology Reports
Published in: Current Oncology Reports 3/2018

01-03-2018 | Melanoma (RJ Sullivan, Section Editor)

Mucosal Melanoma: a Literature Review

Authors: Simon Skovsted Yde, Pia Sjoegren, Martin Heje, Lars B. Stolle

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of review

Mucosal melanoma is of great interest due to its aggressive behavior and less favorable prognosis. The literature is mainly case reports and case series. Here, we will collect the knowledge on mucosal melanoma from the last decade and review the literature. The main focus is being site-specific clinical features, treatment, and prognosis.

Recent findings

The use of immunotherapy gain ground as for others subsets of melanoma. Anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/ PD-L1 blockade in mucosal melanoma have been evaluated in recent studies. Clinical trials are ongoing.

Summary

The etiology of mucosal melanomas remains unknown. Head and neck mucosal melanomas are most common. Wide excision surgery is the treatment of choice. The effect of adjuvant therapy on survival remains questionable due to the limited knowledge. Radiotherapy seems to give better local control. The overall five-year survival rate for mucosal melanomas is 0–45%. Recent data indicates that this may be improved by the immunotherapy in the years to come.
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Metadata
Title
Mucosal Melanoma: a Literature Review
Authors
Simon Skovsted Yde
Pia Sjoegren
Martin Heje
Lars B. Stolle
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Oncology Reports / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-018-0675-0

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