Melanoma patterns of distant relapse: a study of 108 cases from a South Brazilian center

作者：Rovere Rodrigo Kraft; Pires de Souza Maria Eduarda; da Maia Cidral Danielle Louise; Hilgert Sara Fernanda; Chamse Ddine Yasmine Rodrigues; Stein Carlos Efrain; Borges Giuliano Santos; de Lima Adma Silva^*

来源：Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 2016, 91(1): 40-43.

DOI：10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163722

• Melanoma
• Nevi and melanomas
• Neoplasm metastasis
• Skin neoplasms

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased over the last decades. Recurrences occur most frequently within the first 2-3 years after diagnosis but patients carry a lifelong risk of relapse. Nevertheless, there is no consensus in the literature on what screening tests patients should undergo.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the most common melanoma metastasis sites among a South Brazilian population from a city with one of the highest melanoma rates, and establish the best screening method for these patients.
METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study of 108 consecutive melanoma patients followed up at a center from 2009 to 2013. Data were collected on demographic and tumoral characteristics, as well as the site of the first diagnosed metastasis.
RESULTS: Patients were divided into 3 groups for analytical purposes: Non-visceral metastases (48% of patients), visceral metastasis (39%) and brain metastasis (13%). We tried to correlate age, gender, mean Breslow thickness, mitosis and death rates with the aforementioned groups but none showed any statistically significant association.
CONCLUSION: Melanoma patients must be monitored to detect early relapse and subsequent effective treatment but the best follow-up strategy remains to be established.

• 出版日期2016-2