Patterns of regional lymph node metastases from cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck Conference Paper


Authors: Shah, J. P.; Kraus, D. H.; Dubner, S.; Sarkar, S.
Title: Patterns of regional lymph node metastases from cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck
Conference Title: 37th Annual Meeting of the Society of Head and Neck Surgeons
Abstract: A consecutive series of 111 patients treated between 1964 and 1989 with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma of the head and neck and histologically proven regional metastases was reviewed to determine the patterns of nodal metastases. The primary sites were grouped in the following categories: face (34), anterior scalp (25), anterior neck (16), posterior scalp (15), ear (11), and posterior neck (10). All patients underwent radical neck dissection: 80 of the procedures were therapeutic and 31 elective. A total of 106 specimens were positive for metastases. Thirty-three of the 57 patients undergoing parotidectomy had positive results for metastases (14 of 20 in therapeutic parotidectomies and 19 of 37 in elective parotidectomies). Based on the incidence of involvement of the parotid gland and the patterns of lymph node metastases from levels I through V, three observations are made. Patients undergoing regional lymphadenectomy for primary melanomas on the ear, face, and anterior scalp should be considered for parotidectomy. The use of selective limited neck dissection for elective regional lymphadenectomy appears justified based on the location of the primary site. In patients undergoing therapeutic neck dissection, a complete neck dissection should be performed due to the unpredictable distribution of lymph node metastases to the cervical lymph nodes.
Keywords: dissection; management; squamous carcinoma
Journal Title American Journal of Surgery
Volume: 162
Issue: 4
Conference Dates: 1991 May 1-4
Conference Location: Maui, HI
ISBN: 0002-9610
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 1991-10-01
Start Page: 320
End Page: 323
Language: English
ACCESSION: WOS:A1991GK76100009
DOI: 10.1016/0002-9610(91)90140-9
PROVIDER: wos
PUBMED: 1951882
Notes: Article; Proceedings Paper -- Source: Wos
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  1. Dennis Kraus
    268 Kraus
  2. Jatin P Shah
    722 Shah