TY - JOUR
T1 - A systematic review on external ear melanoma
AU - Rinaldi, Gaetana
AU - Toia, Francesca
AU - Moschella, Francesco
AU - Cordova, Adriana
AU - Rinaldi, Gaetana
AU - Tripoli, Massimiliano
AU - Moschella, Francesco
AU - Toia, Francesca
AU - Garbo, Giuseppe
AU - Cordova, Adriana
AU - Garbo, Giuseppe Maria
AU - Tripoli, Massimiliano
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Background External ear melanoma accounts for only 1% of all cutaneous melanomas, and data on its optimal management and prognosis are limited. Aim We aim to review the literature on external ear melanoma to guide surgeons in the treatment of this uncommon and peculiar pathology. Materials and methods A systematic review of English language studies on ear melanoma published from 1993 to 2013 was performed using the PubMed electronic database. Data on epidemiology, oncological treatment (tumor resection and regional lymph nodes management), and reconstruction were extrapolated from selected papers. Results The total number of patients was 858 (30 studies). The helix was the most common location (57%); superficial spreading melanoma was the most common histopathological subtype (41%). The mean Breslow thickness was 2.01 mm, with 88% of stage I-II patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 45% of patients, with 8% of positive nodes. Available data on its prognosis are fragmentary and contrasting, but the Breslow thickness appears to be the main prognostic factor. There is a tendency towards reduced resection margins and preservation of the underlying perichondrium and cartilage. Local flaps are the most popular reconstructive option. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review presents the largest data series on external ear melanoma. There is no general agreement on its surgical management, but a favorable prognosis seems to justify the tendency towards conservative treatments.
AB - Background External ear melanoma accounts for only 1% of all cutaneous melanomas, and data on its optimal management and prognosis are limited. Aim We aim to review the literature on external ear melanoma to guide surgeons in the treatment of this uncommon and peculiar pathology. Materials and methods A systematic review of English language studies on ear melanoma published from 1993 to 2013 was performed using the PubMed electronic database. Data on epidemiology, oncological treatment (tumor resection and regional lymph nodes management), and reconstruction were extrapolated from selected papers. Results The total number of patients was 858 (30 studies). The helix was the most common location (57%); superficial spreading melanoma was the most common histopathological subtype (41%). The mean Breslow thickness was 2.01 mm, with 88% of stage I-II patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 45% of patients, with 8% of positive nodes. Available data on its prognosis are fragmentary and contrasting, but the Breslow thickness appears to be the main prognostic factor. There is a tendency towards reduced resection margins and preservation of the underlying perichondrium and cartilage. Local flaps are the most popular reconstructive option. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review presents the largest data series on external ear melanoma. There is no general agreement on its surgical management, but a favorable prognosis seems to justify the tendency towards conservative treatments.
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10447/162662
UR - http://www.elsevier.com
M3 - Article
VL - 68
SP - 883
EP - 894
JO - JOURNAL OF PLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE & AESTHETIC SURGERY
JF - JOURNAL OF PLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE & AESTHETIC SURGERY
SN - 1748-6815
ER -