Clinical Report: Influence of Anatomical Location and Histological Type on Breslow Thickness

Overview

This study investigates the impact of anatomical site and histological subtype on Breslow thickness and high-risk features in cutaneous melanoma. Findings indicate that acral and lower-limb melanomas present with greater thickness compared to trunk lesions.

Background

Breslow thickness is crucial for melanoma staging and prognosis, influencing treatment decisions. In South Africa, melanoma often presents at a greater thickness, particularly among populations with skin of color.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Acral and lower-limb melanomas have greater Breslow thickness compared to trunk lesions.
• Acral lentiginous, nodular, and lentigo maligna melanomas present with increased thickness compared to superficial spreading melanoma.
• Ulceration is significantly associated with increased Breslow thickness.
• No independent associations were found between Breslow thickness or ulceration and nodal positivity.

Clinical Implications

The study highlights the importance of anatomical location and histological subtype in predicting Breslow thickness.

Conclusion

Anatomical location and histological subtype are significant predictors of Breslow thickness in cutaneous melanoma.

Related Resources & Content

1. Updates in Surgery, 2025 -- Recognizing the Rare and Dramatic Diagnosis of Anorectal Melanoma: The Importance of Clinical Awareness
2. Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Lymph Node-Positive Cutaneous Melanoma, 2010
3. The ASCO Post, 2020 -- Differences in Melanoma Incidence in Men vs Women by Age and Anatomic Site KEY POINTS
4. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 1: Diagnostics - Update 2024
5. Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma, NEJM
6. Histopathological Insights into Bladder Cancer: An Analysis of 1480 Reports from Johannesburg
7. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 1: Diagnostics - Update 2024
8. Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma | New England Journal of Medicine
9. Factores clínicos e histopatológicos asociados con la positividad del ganglio centinela en el melanoma cutáneo clínicamente N0: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis - ScienceDirect