Prognosis of melanoma depends ona) Stageb) Depth of melanoma of biopsyc) Duration of growthd) Site

Prognosis of melanoma depends most importantly on staging. The most current staging system (of AJCC) takes into account following factors depth of invasion (Breslow's thickness) - this is the single most important prognostic factor ulceration - presence of ulceration carries worse prognosis. lymph node status satellite lession distant metastasis Other prognostic factor (not included in staging) Site or anatomic location - people with lesion of the extermities have a better prognosis than people with melanomas of the head & neck or trunk. (feet and mucous membrane also have poor prognosis- Harrison) Gender -females have better prognosis than males Histologic type - Lentigo maligna has best prosnosis & acral lentiginous worst. Old age especially > 60 have poorer prognosis. Also know The factor that most closely correlates with local recurrence is primary tumor ulceration (Sabiston 18/e p774)