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The clinical features and results of treatment of 165 patients with extraocular malignant melanoma seen in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland between 1952–1961 are recorded and analyzed. This is an eminently treatable tumor if diagnosed while still confined to the primary site. Tumors in women, tumors of the head and neck regardless of age and sex, tumors between knee and ankle in young women, small tumors, and tumors which have not spread have a better than average prognosis. Elective dissection of clinically tumors—free nodes should not be too readily discounted. Tumors in men, tumors on the trunk, large tumors, and tumors which have spread beyond the primary site have a poor prognosis. Local recurrence per se is not a uniformly bad sign. Available methods of treatment of Stage II and III malignant melanoma are unsatisfactory. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis of this tumor is low and all cutaneous tumors should be regarded with suspicion, adequately excised, and examined histologically.
Alistair J. Cochran (Thu,) studied this question.