Mucosal melanomas of the head and neck: The Princess Margaret Hospital experience

Background. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic variables in mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Methods. A retrospective review of 61 cases over a 41-year period was undertaken. Local, regional, and distant failures were major outcome measures. Demographic, clinical, and pathological parameters were identified and correlated with outcomes. Results. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years. Sinonasal cavity involvement occurred in 80.3% of patients and 16.4% occurred in the oral cavity. Local, regional, and distant recurrences were 60.7%, 19.7%, and 49.2%, respectively. Two-year and 5-year disease-free survivals were 25.8% and 8%, respectively. Disease-specific survival at 5 years was 28.7%. Age <50 years significantly correlated with a longer median survival time. Conclusion. The most common occurrence site was the sinonasal cavity. Local and distant recurrences are common irrespective of treatment modalities. Younger patients have a relatively better prognosis. Disseminated disease is common and the overall prognosis is poor. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.