The use of skin flaps in the treatment of malignant melanomas in the head and neck region.

Abstract

The use of skin flaps in the treatment of malignant melanomas in the head and neck is compared to the application of free skin grafts. In 13 patients the wounds were closed directly, in 58 the defects were covered by free skin grafts, and in 80 patients the defects were covered by flap plasties. The distribution of tumours with various degrees of invasion was similar within the groups. Local recurrences or local skin metastases occurred in 18 patients. Eight were found in the skin graft group. In the group with direct closure only 1 patient had a recurrence. Nine were found in patients treated with skin flaps. The use of skin flaps is often a great advantage from an aesthetic point of view and this survey does not indicate that it is contraindicated for oncologic reasons.