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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 1/2017

Open Access 01-01-2017 | Melanomas

Nodular Histologic Subtype and Ulceration are Tumor Factors Associated with High Risk of Recurrence in Sentinel Node-Negative Melanoma Patients

Authors: Marloes Faut, MD, Kevin P. Wevers, MD, PhD, Robert J. van Ginkel, MD, PhD, Gilles F. H. Diercks, MD, PhD, Harald J. Hoekstra, MD, PhD, Schelto Kruijff, MD, PhD, Lukas B. Been, MD, PhD, Barbara L. van Leeuwen, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Since its introduction, the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard staging procedure in clinical node-negative melanoma patients. A negative SLNB, however, does not guarantee a recurrence-free survival. Insight into metastatic patterns and risk factors for recurrence in SLNB negative melanoma patients can provide patient tailored guidelines.

Methods

Data concerning melanoma patients who underwent SLNB between 1996 and 2015 in a single center were prospectively collected. Cox regression analyses were used to determine variables associated with overall recurrence and distant first site of recurrence in SLNB-negative patients.

Results

In 668 patients, SLNBs were performed between 1996 and 2015. Of these patients, 50.4 % were male and 49.6 % female with a median age of 55.2 (range 5.7–88.8) years. Median Breslow thickness was 2.2 (range 0.3–20) mm. The SLNB was positive in 27.8 % of patients. Recurrence rates were 53.2 % in SLNB-positive and 17.9 % in SLNB-negative patients (p < 0.001). For SLNB-negative patients, the site of first recurrence was distant in 58.5 %. Melanoma located in the head and neck region (hazard ratio 4.88, p = 0.003) and increasing Breslow thickness (hazard ratio 1.15, p = 0.013) were predictive for distant first site of recurrence in SLNB-negative patients. SLNB-negative patients with a nodular melanoma and ulceration had a recurrence rate of 43.1 %; the site of recurrence was distant in 64 % of these patients.

Conclusions

The recurrence rates of SLNB-negative nodular ulcerative melanoma patients approach those of SLNB-positive patients. Stringent follow-up is recommended in this subset of patients.
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Metadata
Title
Nodular Histologic Subtype and Ulceration are Tumor Factors Associated with High Risk of Recurrence in Sentinel Node-Negative Melanoma Patients
Authors
Marloes Faut, MD
Kevin P. Wevers, MD, PhD
Robert J. van Ginkel, MD, PhD
Gilles F. H. Diercks, MD, PhD
Harald J. Hoekstra, MD, PhD
Schelto Kruijff, MD, PhD
Lukas B. Been, MD, PhD
Barbara L. van Leeuwen, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-01-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-016-5566-8

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