Lymphatic density and metastatic spread in human malignant melanoma (original) (raw)

Lymphatic invasion revealed by multispectral imaging is common in primary melanomas and associates with prognosis

Human pathology, 2008

Lymphatic invasion by tumor cells has been noted infrequently in primary melanomas. Our primary hypotheses were that using immunohistochemical markers of lymphatic vessels and of tumor cells would improve detection of lymphatic invasion and that lymphatic invasion would correlate with regional nodal metastatic disease. This study included 106 patients who were diagnosed between 1972 and 1991 and who had 10 years or more of follow-up. We performed dual immunohistochemical stains for podoplanin (for lymphatic vessels) and S-100 (for melanoma cells). Lymphatic invasion was identified by light microscopy and confirmed by multispectral imaging analysis. Lymphatic invasion was detected by morphology alone in 5 cases (4.7%) in contrast to immunohistochemical staining augmented by multispectral imaging analysis where 35 cases (33%) were identified (P < .0001). Lymphatic invasion was significantly associated with time to regional nodal metastatic disease, as well as first metastasis and m...

Predictors of sentinel lymph node metastasis in melanoma

Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie, 2010

BACKGROUND Several studies have examined the correlation between patient and tumour characteristics and sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in patients with melanoma. Although most studies have identified Breslow thickness as an important factor, results for other variables have been conflicting. Much of this variability is probably because of differences in measurement techniques and reporting practices at different institutions. We sought to identify the predictors of SLN melanoma metastasis in our institution and patient population. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of 348 patients with malignant melanoma who underwent SLN biopsy at a single institution from January 1999 to April 2007. We compared multiple variables related to patient demographics, primary tumour characteristics and SLN characteristics between patients in the positive and negative SLN groups. RESULTS Breslow thickness and nodular tumour type were independent factors significantly correlated with ...