Prognostic value and therapeutic implications of nodal involvement in head and neck mucosal melanoma. Issue 8 (30th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moya‐Plana, Antoine; Mangin, David; Blanchard, Pierre; Obongo, Rais; Casiraghi, Odile; Bidault, François; Temam, Stéphane; Robert, Caroline; Gorphe, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 43:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 2325
• Page End: 2331
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30
• Subjects: head and neck -- mucosal melanoma -- nodal involvement -- prognosis -- regional; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26694
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The prognostic significance of nodal involvement is not well established in head and neck mucosal melanoma (HNMM). Methods: A retrospective, monocentric study was performed on 96 patients with HNMM treated between 2000 and 2017. Results: At diagnosis, seventeen patients (17.8%) were cN1, with a higher risk for HNMM arising from the oral cavity ( p = 0.01). cN status had no prognostic value in patients with nonmetastatic resectable HNMM. No occult nodal metastasis was observed in the cN0 patients after a nodal dissection (ND). The nodal recurrence rate was similar in the cN1 and the cN0 patients. No isolated nodal recurrences were noted. Among the patients who underwent a ND, no benefit of this procedure was noted. Conclusions: cN1 status is not a prognostic factor in patients with resectable HNMM. Elective ND should not be systematically performed in cN0 HNMM.