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.