Management of Noncutaneous Melanomas

Ann Y Lee; Russell S Berman

doi:10.1016/j.soc.2020.02.004

Management of Noncutaneous Melanomas

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2020 Jul;29(3):387-400. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2020.02.004.

Authors

Ann Y Lee¹, Russell S Berman²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, 550 1st Avenue, NBV 15N1, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: Ann.lee@nyulangone.org.
² Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, 550 1st Avenue, NBV 15N1, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/bermar01.

PMID: 32482315
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2020.02.004

Abstract

Noncutaneous melanomas are rare subtypes of melanoma with high rates of metastatic disease and poor overall survival. One-third to one-half of cases are amelanotic, which may contribute to a delay in diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry staining with typical melanoma markers helps confirm the diagnosis. There is no standard staging system across mucosal melanomas. Elective nodal dissection is not recommended and there is a paucity of data to support use of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Mutational analysis should be routinely performed. Systemic therapy options include targeted inhibitors, immunotherapy, and cytotoxic chemotherapy, although further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.

Keywords: Anorectal melanoma; Head and neck mucosal melanoma; Mucosal melanoma; Sinonasal melanoma; Vulvovaginal melanoma.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Combined Modality Therapy
Disease Management
Humans
Melanoma / pathology
Melanoma / therapy*