Margins of excision for cutaneous melanoma of the eyelid skin: the Collaborative Eyelid Skin Melanoma Group Report

Staged Excision Technique for Periocular Cutaneous Melanoma: Long-Term Outcomes of the Square Procedure

PURPOSE

To examine the long-term outcome of the staged excision via the square procedure for the treatment of periocular thin cutaneous melanoma.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 95 periocular cutaneous melanoma-in-situ and microinvasive melanoma tumors that were treated with the square procedure between April 1, 1994 and December 31, 2018 at the University of Michigan. Demographic and clinical data were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 95 cases, 19 (20%) were atypical junctional melanocytic proliferation with features of early melanoma-in-situ, 63 (66.3%) were melanoma-in-situ and 13 (13.7) were microinvasive melanoma with Breslow depth less than 1 mm. Tumor-free margins were achieved with a median margin of 10 mm (range 5-40 mm). Most cases (68.4%) required multiple excision stages. Surgical revision was necessary in 17.9% of cases and was associated with larger defect size. Local recurrence was noted in 8 patients (8.4%) at a median of 42 months postreconstruction. No tumor characteristics were found to predict recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The square procedure for periocular melanoma offers an 8.4% recurrence rate, consistent with literature reports on similar staged excision approaches. The staged excision provides an excellent option for comprehensive margin review and tumor control with acceptable cosmetic results after reconstruction.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery With Immunohistochemistry for the Treatment of Periocular Melanoma In Situ

PURPOSE

Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry allows for same-day comprehensive margin assessment of melanoma in situ prior to subspecialty reconstruction. This study describes the oncologic and reconstructive outcomes of eyelid and periorbital melanoma in situ and identifies risk factors for complex reconstructive demands.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of all patients treated with Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry for melanoma in situ affecting the eyelids or periorbital region from 2008 to 2018 at a single institution. Tumors were assigned to the eyelid group if the clinically visible tumor involved the skin inside the orbital rim. Reconstructive variables were compared between the eyelid and periorbital cohorts.

RESULTS

There were 24 eyelid and 141 periorbital tumors included. The initial surgical margin for all tumors was 5.34 ± 1.54 mm and multiple Mohs stages were required in 24.2% of cases. Eyelid tumors included more recurrences (p = 0.003), and the average defect size was larger (14.0 ± 13.3 cm2 vs. 7.7 ± 5.4 cm2, p = 0.03). Risk factors for complex reconstruction included: initial tumor diameter >2 cm (odds ratio [OR]: 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-7.57) and eyelid involved by initial tumor (OR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.94-12.28). At an average follow-up of 4.8 years, there were no melanoma-related deaths and 1 local recurrence (0.6% recurrence rate).

CONCLUSIONS

Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry achieves excellent local control rates for periocular melanoma in situ. An initial surgical margin of 5 mm is frequently insufficient to achieve clear margins. The resulting defects are large, and the complexity of reconstruction can be predicted by tumor size and clinical involvement of eyelid skin.

Surgical margins and outcomes for eyelid melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

No randomized trials exist to inform the peripheral surgical margins or depth of wide excision for eyelid melanoma. We performed a meta-analysis examining surgical margins and Breslow depth for eyelid melanomas. A systematic review was performed in August 2022 using PubMed, Cochrane, and Medline databases (1/1/1990 to 8/1/2022). Inclusion criteria included studies reporting surgical treatment of primary cutaneous melanomas of the eyelid with reported surgical margins. Ten articles were included. The studies were examined by surgical margin size (group 1: ≤ 0.5 cm; group 2 > 0.5 cm and ≤ 1.5 cm) and Breslow depth (group 1: ≤ 1 mm; group 2: > 1 mm). The odds ratio (OR) for local recurrence was 2.55 [95% CI 0.36-18.12], p = 0.18; regional metastasis was 0.70 [95% CI 0.00-23671.71], p = 0.48; and distant metastasis was 2.47 [95% CI 0.00-1687.43], p = 0.66. When examining by Breslow depth, the OR for local recurrence was 0.53 [95% CI 0.14-1.94], p = 0.34; regional metastasis was 0.14 [0.00-176.12], p = 0.54; and the OR for distant metastasis was 0.24 [95% CI 0.01-8.73], p = 0.46. There was a trend toward higher likelihood of recurrence and metastasis in the ≤ 0.5 cm group. Similarly, there is a trend toward higher likelihood of recurrence and metastasis with Breslow depth > 1 mm. A surgical margin of at least 0.5 cm and achievement of negative margins via permanent sections or MMS are likely needed to prevent adverse outcomes. En face sectioning may be a superior method of histological processing for eyelid melanoma.

Updates on eyelid cancers

In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the five most common malignant eyelid tumors with current treatment recommendations based on international guidelines. Particular attention is paid to the clinicopathological correlation and the update with regard to adequate treatment. Newer systemic therapies enrich the existing treatment options, of which complete tumor excision remains the most important therapeutic measure.

Globe-sparing surgical treatment for periocular malignancies with anterior orbital invasion: a consecutive case series

PURPOSE

Orbital exenteration of periocular tumors complicated by orbital invasion is a heavy burden for patients and leads to disfiguring cosmesis and loss of vision. Here, we report our experience with globe-sparing surgery in a series of patients with periocular malignancies other than basal cell carcinoma (BCC), all exhibiting anterior orbital invasion.

METHODS

In this consecutive case series, we examined medical records of all patients between 2000 and 2018 with periocular malignancies (other than BCC) invading the anterior orbit (without extraocular muscle or scleral invasion) treated by one orbital surgeon (DP). The main outcome measures included local recurrence, regional and distant metastasis, survival, and visual acuity.

RESULTS

Nine patients were identified. Of the non-BCC cancers invading the orbit, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (44.4%) was the most prevalent type in our series. Excision included the removal of visibly distinguishable tumor and a free clinical margin of up to 5 mm with histological confirmation of radicality of the invasive tumor component. Reconstruction was achieved by a variety of oculoplastic reconstructive procedures. At a mean follow-up of 70 months (range 11-177 months), 8 out of 9 patients were still alive. Recurrence occurred in two patients with conjunctival melanoma (CM), and they were again treated with wide excision. Postoperative visual acuity remained stable or improved.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective case series demonstrates that globe-sparing excisional surgery can be considered in selected cases of periocular malignancies other than BCC with anterior orbital invasion, thus avoiding cosmetic disfigurement and loss of vision due to orbital exenteration.

Long-term outcomes of margin-controlled excision for eyelid melanoma

OBJECTIVES

To provide evidence for long-term outcomes for margin-controlled excision of eyelid melanoma.

METHODS

Retrospective single-centre observational case series of patients treated for eyelid melanoma between 2007 and 2016, with a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Tumour excision involved rush-paraffin en face horizontal sections and delayed repair (Slow Mohs; SM).

RESULTS

Twenty-two cases were seen with a survival of 91% (two deaths from nodular and lentigo maligna melanoma) and seven with melanoma in situ (MIS). Invasive melanoma includes eight lentigo maligna melanoma, four nodular, two amelanotic and one desmoplastic. Mean Breslow thickness was 6 mm for invasive (range 0.5-26). Mean excision margin for MIS was 3 mm (range 2-5 mm) and for invasive was 5 mm (range 2-10). Further excisions were performed in nine (41%); two went on to recur. Local recurrence was 36%; six invasive (27%) at a mean of 24 months (range 1.5-5 years) and two for MIS at a mean of 15 months (range 1-1.5 years). Imaging occurred for suspected advanced disease. Sentinel node biopsy was not performed. Advanced melanoma therapy was performed in two cases. No vitamin D testing occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival rates are in line with 90% overall survival in the UK. Prescriptive excision margins are not applicable in the periocular region and margin-controlled excision with a delayed repair is recommended, but patients need to know further excision may be needed to obtain clearance. Evidence recommending vitamin D therapy needs to be put into clinical practice. In addition, upstaging of MIS occurred advocating excision rather than observation of MIS. More studies are needed to determine the best management of eyelid melanoma.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of local recurrence rates of head and neck cutaneous melanomas after wide local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, or staged excision

BACKGROUND

Prospective trials have not compared the local recurrence rates of different excision techniques for cutaneous melanomas on the head and neck.

OBJECTIVE

To determine local recurrence rates of cutaneous head and neck melanoma after wide local excision (WLE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), or staged excision.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science identified all English case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials that reported local recurrence rates after surgery for cutaneous head and neck melanoma. A meta-analysis utilizing a random effects model calculated weighted local recurrence rates and confidence intervals (CI) for each surgical technique and for subgroups of MMS and staged excision.

RESULTS

Among 100 manuscripts with 13,998 head and neck cutaneous melanomas, 51.0% (7138) of melanomas were treated by WLE, 34.5% (4826) by MMS, and 14.5% (2034) by staged excision. Local recurrence rates were lowest for MMS (0.61%; 95% CI, 0.1%-1.4%), followed by staged excision (1.8%; 95% CI, 1.0%-2.9%) and WLE (7.8%; 95% CI, 6.4%-9.3%).

LIMITATIONS

Definitions of local recurrence varied. Surgical techniques included varying proportions of invasive melanomas. Studies had heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Systematic review and meta-analysis show lower local recurrence rates for cutaneous head and neck melanoma after treatment with MMS or staged excision compared to WLE.

Diseases of the Eyelids and Orbit

The eyelids and orbit encompass intricate bony and soft tissue structures that work harmoniously in concert to protect, support, and nourish the eye in order to facilitate and maintain its function. Insult to periorbital and orbital anatomy can compromise orbital and ocular homeostasis. This article provides a foundational overview of eyelid and orbital anatomy, as well as common and key disorders that may confront internists and medical subspecialists.

Nationwide Trends in the Incidence and Survival of Eyelid Skin Cancers in Korea

PURPOSE

This study provides a population-based report on eyelid skin cancer epidemiology showing trends in its incidence and survival in South Korea.

METHODS

For this population-based epidemiological study, nationwide cancer incidence data were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry, covering the entire population. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs) and annual per cent changes (APCs) were calculated according to sex, histological types, stage, and date of diagnosis. The 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs) were estimated for patients diagnosed between 1993 and 2016.

RESULTS

The ASR increased from 0.27 per 100,000 population in 1999 to 0.61 in 2016, with an APC of 4.94%. The most common histopathological type was basal cell carcinoma (BCC), accounting for 67.5% of all eyelid skin cancers during 1999-2016, followed by sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC, 10.7%), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 10.6%). The number of localised cancer diagnoses tended to increase, compared to that of distant cancer. The 5-year RSR was nearly 100% when considering all eyelid skin cancers together. When considering them separately, the 5-year RSR of BCC was nearly 100% throughout, whereas for SGC and SCC, it gradually increased from 94.2% and 87.7% (1993-1995), respectively, to nearly 100% (2011-2016) for both. Melanoma had the lowest survival, although its survival has increased markedly since 1993.

CONCLUSIONS

Nationwide data used in this study showed an increase in incidence and survival rates of eyelid skin cancers in Korea. BCC was the most predominant type, and its proportion among all eyelid skin cancer cases has increased.

Eyelid Melanoma in the United States: A National Cancer Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Eyelid melanoma (EM) is a rare condition that accounts for <1% of all cutaneous melanomas. In this analysis, patients diagnosed with EM in the United States were compared to those with other melanomas in the head and neck.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was used to select patients with head and neck melanoma from 2004 to 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 137,233 patients met the criteria of the study. Among them, 2694 were diagnosed with EM (2%) and 134,539 in other head and neck locations (98%). Regarding the patients with EM, the mean age was 68.56 years (standard deviation 14.04). A greater number of them were treated in Academic/Research Programs (53.6%), insured by Medicare (55.7%), tumor in situ (52.2%), stage 0 (49%), and without ulceration (75.9%). The mean time to treatment commencement was 18.96 days for EM compared to 14.4 days for other melanoma in the head and neck regions (P < 0.001). There was a greater proportion of EM in female patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.371 [2.191-2.566], P < 0.001), compared to male; age greater than 80 years (OR 1.622 [1.360-1.934], P < 0.001) compared to 0 to 49 years. Moreover, EM was an independent predictor for treatment in Academic/Research Programs (OR 1.258 [1.160-1.365], P < 0.001) and diagnosis at autopsy (OR 1.414 [1.083-1.847], P = 0.011) compared to other melanoma in the head and neck region.

CONCLUSION

These novel findings have the potential to guide clinical decision making in head and neck melanoma management.

Melanoma of the eyelid and periocular skin: Histopathologic classification and molecular pathology

Cutaneous melanoma, a potentially lethal malignancy of the periocular skin, represents only a small proportion of the roughly 87,000 new cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed annually in the United States. Most of our understanding of melanoma of the eyelid skin is extrapolated from studies of cutaneous melanoma located elsewhere. Recent years have witnessed major breakthroughs in molecular biology and genomics of cutaneous melanoma, some of which have led to the development of targeted therapies. The molecular insights have also kindled interest in rethinking how cutaneous melanomas are classified and assessed for risk. We provide a synopsis of the epidemiology, histopathologic classification, and clinical experience of eyelid melanoma since 1990 and then review major advances in the molecular biology of cutaneous melanoma, exploring how this impacts our understanding of classification and predicting risk.

Long Term Cosmetic and Functional Results of One Stage Reconstruction for Lower Eyelid Malignant Melanoma: A Single Centre Experience of Eleven Patients

Introduction

Eyelid malignant melanoma represents less than 1 % of all skin melanomas and approximately 1 % of all malignant neoplasms of the eyelid skin. Because of its relative rarity, there is a paucity of descriptive papers reporting only small series of reconstructed patients. The repair of eyelid defects represents a reconstructive challenge. Ideally, the reconstruction of the defect must guarantee function with tissue of the same color, texture, and thickness of that of the removed skin and at the same time avoid complications such as ectropion and lagophthalmos.

Materials and Methods

We describe a consecutive series of 11 patients affected by cutaneous melanoma of the lower lid who underwent full-thickness excision of the neoplasm and subsequent wide excision. All the patients were treated in one-stage reconstruction modality with a modified monopedicle myocutaneous flap, harvested from omolateral upper eyelid, tunneled under the lateral canthus skin and armed with a conchal auricular cartilage framework. Four patients underwent the sentinel lymph node biopsy during reconstructive procedure. No major complications were reported. In our experience, the proposed myocutaneous flap allows to obtain excellent results, both aesthetically and functionally.

Conclusions

This technique has the advantage of avoiding multi-staged procedures, with respect for the oncological excision indication for head and neck melanoma, decreasing the incidence of associated major complications.

What's New in Eyelid Tumors

Eyelid malignancies represent between 5% and 10% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The gold standard treatment for periocular epithelial malignancies is surgical excision. Given the constraints of the anatomy and function of the eyelids, excision with negative margins and reconstruction can be challenging. In cases of significant tissue invasion or metastasis, complete tumor removal may not be possible. This review examines the management of periocular skin cancer from diagnosis and staging, including the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy, to both surgical and nonsurgical treatment. The development of targeted drug therapy against specific genetic mutations in cutaneous malignancies has allowed for the treatment of specific cancer cells with less systemic toxicity than more traditional treatments.

Number of excisions required to obtain clear surgical margins and prognostic value of AJCC T category for patients with eyelid melanoma

AIMS

To determine the number of excisions needed to achieve clear margins and the prognostic value of the 7th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification for eyelid melanoma.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients treated for eyelid melanoma from January 2006 through May 2013 by the senior author at a tertiary care cancer centre.

RESULTS

Of the 64 patients (25 men and 39 women), clear surgical margins were achieved with a single excision in 38 patients (62%), 2 excisions in 21 patients (34%), and 3 excisions in 2 patients (3%). Need for repeat excision was not correlated with the size of the surgical margin (p=0.14) or AJCC TNM classification (p=0.15). Nodal disease at presentation was significantly associated with T category greater than T2b (p=0.0026) and shorter time to disease progression (p=0.007). Patients followed for a minimum of 1 year with T category greater than T2b had a significantly higher risk of nodal or distant metastasis (p=0.0061).

CONCLUSIONS

More than a third of patients with eyelid melanoma required more than 1 excision to achieve clear margins, supporting delayed reconstruction for eyelid melanoma. Nodal metastasis at presentation was significantly correlated with AJCC T category and time to progression.

Oculoplastic aspects of ocular oncology

It is estimated that 5-10% of all cutaneous malignancies involve the periocular region and management of periocular skin cancers account for a significant proportion of the oculoplastic surgeon's workload. Epithelial tumours are most frequently encountered, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma, in decreasing order of frequency. Non-epithelial tumours, such as cutaneous melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, rarely involve the ocular adnexae. Although non-surgical treatments for periocular malignancies are gaining in popularity, surgery remains the main treatment modality and has as its main aims tumour clearance, restoration of the eyelid function, protection of the ocular surface, and achieving a good cosmetic outcome. The purpose of this article is to review the management of malignant periocular tumours, with particular emphasis on surgical management.

Mohs surgery for melanoma: rationale, advances and possibilities

Mohs surgery (MS) is an effective technique for the removal of a variety of cutaneous neoplasms by virtue of its thorough assessment of margins. It has yet to become widely accepted for melanoma because recognizing melanocytes histologically in frozen section can be problematic. Recently, 'rapid' methods of immunohistochemistry have been developed that resolve this issue by staining the melanocytes in frozen section. In addition, some of the immunohistochemistry protocols that previously required up to 1 h now take 19 min or less. These technological enhancements for MS have removed some of the obstacles towards the acceptance of MS as a legitimate option for removal of melanomas, especially poorly demarcated lesions and lesions from the head and neck, the distal extremities and the genitalia. Experience thus far with MS for melanoma has shown lower recurrence rates and improved disease-specific survival compared with historical controls for standard excision, while at the same time minimizing the sacrifice of normal tissue.

Surgical management of primary disease

Despite advancements in the treatment of melanoma, surgical management remains the cornerstone for treatment and long-term survival. The authors present their surgical approach to the patient with melanoma including evaluation, treatment, and reconstruction. In addition, management of melanoma occurring in difficult anatomic areas and in special patient populations is reviewed.

Cutaneous Melanomas of the Eyelid

Cutaneous eyelid melanomas are very rare lesions. The lentiginous subtypes are the most frequent melanocytic lesions of the eyelid and can be likened to conjunctival melanocytic lesions like PAM, PAM with atypia and conjunctival melanoma. Compared to melanomas elsewhere on the body, eyelid melanomas have special considerations. Eyelid skin is very thin, the mucocutaneous junction at the lid margin can affect prognosis, the lymphatic drainage pattern is very variable and there is an inherent difficulty to excise wide margins without sacrificing important structures. A customized excision approach, using tissue-sparing "Slow-Mohs" technique, is suggested. Sentinel lymph node dissection has an evolving therapeutic role but remains controversial.

Mise au point sur la prise en charge chirurgicale du mélanome malin cutané. Revue de la littérature

Nowadays managing a cutaneous malignant melanoma can concern different kind of physicians: dermatologists, general or plastic surgeons The primary surgical procedure is a major step of the treatment. Biopsy must be total to properly determine the thickness of the tumor in case of malignancy. Wide local excision of the scar is often necessary to decrease the local and general recurrence rates. Wide local excision must be performed conforming to its own surgical rules. Managing tumor located on the face or limb extremities is a matter of plastic surgery. Sentinel node biopsy has succeeded to elective lymph node dissection. This procedure allows research of lymphatic spreading of the disease. Practice of sentinel node biopsy must be achieved in a protocolar way. Topography of the lesion can modified achievement and results of this procedure. Prognosis benefit of sentinel biopsy is now clear. Elective lymph node dissection is only performed in case of invaded sentinel node or clinically invaded lymph nodes. Local or locoregional recurrences mainly respond to surgical treatment using wide excision. However, alternative solutions are being evaluated (isolated limb perfusion).

Treatment and Outcomes of Malignant Melanoma of the Eyelid

PURPOSE

To review the treatment and outcomes of malignant melanoma (MM) of the eyelid skin.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series review.

PARTICIPANTS

All consecutive patients who had MM arising from eyelid skin treated by 2 regional tertiary referral oculoplastic surgeons were included.

METHODS

Patient charts were reviewed to collect information on the main outcome measures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographics, clinical and histological features of the lesion, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients between 22 and 88 years old (mean, 65) were included. The most common site of MM occurrence was the lower eyelid. Seventeen cases arose in an area of pigmentation, 4 arose de novo, and 8 were of unknown origin. The most common histopathological types were lentigo maligna melanoma (19 cases), followed by superficial spreading MM (8 cases). Fourteen patients had in situ disease and therefore had no Breslow thickness. Another 7 patients had Breslow thickness of <0.76 mm. Thirteen patients had Clark level II or higher. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for cutaneous melanoma, 14 patients were clinically stage 0 and 6 patients were stage IA, with thickness < or = 1 mm and no ulceration. Treatment included wide excision in all cases, one of which underwent anterior exenteration. Pathological techniques used included mapped serial excision with standard or overnight paraffin sections or Mohs' micrographic surgery. Most patients had a good outcome, although 2 died of the disease. Five patients had local recurrence, and 4 had distant metastases. Median postoperative follow-up was 3 years (range, 1 month-9 years, 9 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Lentigo maligna melanoma compared with other forms of MM was relatively more common in the periocular region than in other body locations. Our pathologists preferred paraffin sections to frozen section for accurate assessment of melanocytic atypia and margin status. Initial wide excision margins of 10 mm from the macroscopic edge of the tumor are suggested, as histological margins may be less than this. Margin control by mapped serial excision or a modified Mohs' micrographic surgery using paraffin sections is a useful technique to ensure complete excision and minimization of local recurrence.

[Pathology of the eyelid in elderly patients]

OBJECTIVE

Didactic review of the various features of eyelid pathology in elderly patients.

METHODS

Illustrated review centered on diagnosis of the usual aspects and pitfalls of eyelid pathology divided into semiological chapters (tumors, blisters, erythema, etc.).

RESULTS

Pathology of the eyelids in elderly patients is extremely polymorphic. It is mainly centered on skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adnexal carcinomas, and melanoma). Most severe aspects of the inflammatory diseases of the eyelid are bullous diseases (cicatricial pemphigoid, pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, etc.). A number of rare diseases deserve mention since their presence could lead to the diagnosis of internal or systemic diseases (dermatomyositis, necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, Erdheim-Chester, etc.). In such conditions, early diagnosis is often based on the observation of isolated periocular symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though topographic dermatology is a somewhat reductive vision of skin diseases, pathology of the eyelids deserves special mention because of its polymorphism as well as its diagnostic and/or therapeutic significance.

Melanoma

The surgical management of melanoma continues to evolve. A large body of information serves as a foundation for the oncologic principles, surgical excisions, and reconstructive methodologies that are currently in use. This article serves as a guide for the physician considering surgical management of the melanoma patient.