Melanoma: A review of thirty-two cases admitted to the Brooklyn Cancer Institute during a five-year period

Abstract

Melanoma is defined as a malignant tumor of pigment producing cells. Its relationship to the benign naevus is discussed. The microscopic appearance and different theories as to origin of melanotic cells are outlined. Racial and hereditary characteristics are discussed. Thirty-two cases of melanoma entered at the Brooklyn Cancer Institute in the five-year interval between 1936 and 1942 are reviewed and results summarized. From these records it appears that this tumor most frequently metastasizes first to the regional lymph nodes. This spread may occur after an interval of from three months to six years. The most frequent site of distant metastasis was found to be lung, liver and bone. The latent period before the development of distant metastases was two years eight months. The best results were obtained in this series by radical local removal. The authors, however, agree that this should be followed whenever possible by regional lymph node dissection as recommended by Pack 1. Radiation therapy is discouraged except for treatment from a palliative angle.