Histological Peripheral Margins and Recurrence of Melanoma In Situ Treated with Wide Local Excision. (29th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moura, Francisco S.; Homer, Lucy E.; McKirdy, Stuart W.
• Other Names: Lebwohl Mark Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of skin cancer. Volume 2020(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10-29
• Subjects: Skin -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Skin -- Cancer -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Skin -- Cancer -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Skin -- Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99477005
• DOI: 10.1155/2020/8813050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2905

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The incidence of melanoma in situ (MIS) is increasing faster compared to invasive melanoma. Despite varying international practice, a minimum of 5 mm surgical excision margin is currently recommended in the UK. There is no clear guidance on the minimum histological peripheral clearance margins. Aim . This study compares the histological peripheral clearance margins of MIS using wide local excision (WLE) to the rate of recurrence and progression to invasive disease. Methods . A retrospective single-center review was performed over a 5-year period. Inclusion criteria consisted of MIS diagnosis, ≥16 years of age, and treatment with WLE with curative intent. Those patients with a recurrence of a previous MIS or with a reported focus of invasion/regression were also included. Clinicopathological data and follow-up were recorded. Results . 167 MIS were identified in 155 patients, 80% of which were lentigo maligna subtype. Of patients with completely excised MIS on histology (>0 mm), 9% had recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 36 months. Three (1.8%) cases recurred as invasive disease. Age, MIS site, MIS subtype, and histological evidence of foci of invasion/regression did not predict recurrence nor progression to invasive disease (p > 0.05 ). The recurrence rate of MIS with a histological excision margin ≤3.0 mm was 13% compared to 3% in those with histology margins of >3.0 mm (p = 0.049 ). Conclusion . A histological peripheral clearance of at least 3.0 mm is advocated to achieve lower recurrence rates. The follow-up duration should be reviewed due to the median recurrence occurring at 36 months in our cohort. Cumulative work on MIS needs to be collated and completed in a large multicenter study with a long follow-up period.