Surgical management of melanoma of the gallbladder: a report of 13 cases and review of the literature Journal Article


Authors: Katz, S. C.; Bowne, W. B.; Wolchok, J. D.; Busam, K. J.; Jaques, D. P.; Coit, D. G.
Article Title: Surgical management of melanoma of the gallbladder: a report of 13 cases and review of the literature
Abstract: Background: Melanoma has the potential to spread to virtually any organ, including the gallbladder. The role of intervention in this rare entity must be based on a thorough appreciation of the underlying disease biology. Methods: We present a review of all patients treated for gallbladder melanoma at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) between 1991 and 2003. Results: The study group consisted of 13 patients with melanoma metastatic to the gallbladder. The median survival was 12 months following the diagnosis, and only 1 patient survived more than 42 months. Factors associated with improved outcome included symptomatic metastases and metastatic disease confined to the gallbladder (P < .05). Cholecystectomy led to the resolution of right upper quadrant pain in all patients for the duration of their survival. Conclusions: In patients with melanoma metastatic to the gallbladder, overall survival is determined more by the biology of the disease than treatment. In the presence of symptoms, cholecystectomy is often effective palliation in carefully selected patients. © 2007 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: adult; cancer survival; treatment outcome; aged; middle aged; review; cancer palliative therapy; treatment indication; palliative care; melanoma; metastasis; skin neoplasms; systematic review; disease duration; symptomatology; cholecystectomy; gallbladder neoplasms; metastatic; palliative; gallbladder; gallbladder metastasis
Journal Title: American Journal of Surgery
Volume: 193
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0002-9610
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2007-04-01
Start Page: 493
End Page: 497
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.06.033
PUBMED: 17368297
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 9" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: AJSUA" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Wilbur Bowne
    9 Bowne
  2. Jedd D Wolchok
    905 Wolchok
  3. David P Jaques
    66 Jaques
  4. Steven C Katz
    33 Katz
  5. Daniel Coit
    542 Coit
  6. Klaus J Busam
    688 Busam
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