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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Cliff Lawrence
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© 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Background: Melanocytic tumours of uncertain malignant potential (MELTUMPs) represent melanocytic proliferations within the dermis and are thereby associated with a potential risk of disease dissemination and metastases. However, there is a paucity of data regarding these lesions, their malignant potential and thus their management. Methods: This is a retrospective evaluation of all MELTUMPs treated in a single tertiary plastic surgery unit to establish patient demographics, clinical management and outcomes including recurrence and regional and distant metastases. Results: Forty-two patients were treated for MELTUMPs between 2005 and 2011 in our unit. The mean Breslow thickness was 0.85 mm (range in situ disease to 5 mm). A complete data set was available for 37 of these patients, of whom, 32 (86 %) underwent wider excision with a 1-cm margin and 5 (14 %) with 2-cm margin. The mean follow-up time was 23 months (range 2 to 48 months). One patient developed locally recurrent disease, one patient developed regional metastases and one patient died of metastatic disease. Conclusions: MELTUMPs present a diagnostic and management dilemma with a paucity of agreed strategies for ongoing patient care. We propose that all MELTUMPs should be treated using a melanoma strategy under the care of a skin cancer multidisciplinary team. Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk / prognostic study.
Author(s): Green RJ, Taghizadeh R, Lewis CJ, Lawrence C, Husain A, Ahmed O
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: European Journal of Plastic Surgery
Year: 2014
Volume: 38
Issue: 1
Pages: 13-16
Print publication date: 01/02/2015
Online publication date: 31/10/2014
Acceptance date: 19/10/2014
ISSN (print): 0930-343X
ISSN (electronic): 1435-0130
Publisher: Springer Verlag
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-014-1028-3
DOI: 10.1007/s00238-014-1028-3
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