Wechter ME, Gruber SB, Haefner HK, Lowe L, Schwartz JL, Reynolds KR, Johnston CM, Johnson TM. Vulvar melanoma: a report of 20 cases and review of the literature.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2004;
50:554-62. [PMID:
15034504 DOI:
10.1016/j.jaad.2003.07.026]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Vulvar melanoma is the second most common vulvar malignancy and represents a significant women's health issue.
OBJECTIVE
To report experience with 21 cases of vulvar melanoma in 20 patients and to review the literature about the condition.
METHODS
Parameters retrospectively reviewed included age at diagnosis, family history of melanoma, location on the vulva, atypical nevi, Breslow depth, ulceration status, histologic pattern, presenting signs and symptoms, and the results of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Molecular characterization of the melanocortin type 1 receptor was performed in 1 patient.
RESULTS
A family history of cutaneous melanoma was present in 15% of cases. The mean Breslow depth was 2.8 mm (range, 0.0-11.0 mm). Ten patients successfully underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, results of which were positive in 2 (20%). Reported for the first time is that one patient had a germline mutation in the melanocortin type 1 receptor.
CONCLUSION
Vulvar and cutaneous melanoma behave similarly despite their unique pathogeneses. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be performed successfully for vulvar melanoma.
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