Desmoplastic melanoma

Abstract

Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare melanoma variant that has unique biology and pathology compared with conventional melanoma (non-DM). Importantly, DM is classified into pure and mixed histologic subtypes, which have been correlated with outcomes. Management of DM broadly mirrors that of non-DM; however, there are unique considerations for DM that influence treatment approaches. This paper will provide a contemporary overview of this disease and will review the literature regarding the management of DM. K E Y W O R D Sdesmoplastic melanoma, outcomes, radiation therapy, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), surgery | PATHOLOGYThe original description of DM described the tumor as a "variant of spindle cell melanoma which produces or elicits the production of abundant collagen." 1,15 DM is today defined as a paucicellular

Desmoplastic Melanoma: Clinical Characteristics and Survival in the US Population

“…DM is considered an uncommon subtype melanoma with a frequency of 1% to 4% [14]. In our study, we found that DM corresponded to 1.1% of the total types of melanoma reported on the NCDB.…”

“…As a consequence, the resection of the tumor becomes more difficult, increasing the likelihood of wider resections that result in greater disfigurement at the surgical site. Due to the low incidence of the disease, few studies have described the characteristics of DM, and no study compared them with those of common malignant melanoma (CMM) [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive national analysis of the characteristics and survival rate of DM and to compare them with those of CMM in the US.…”

Desmoplastic melanoma: The role of pure and mixed subtype in sentinel lymph node biopsy and survival

“…In 1971 Conley et al were the first to describe DM as “an invasive spindle cell tumor with extreme desmoplasia.” DM has a predilection for male gender and older age. Often, it is found on chronically sun‐exposed areas, most common in the head and neck . Breslow thickness is usually greater compared to non‐desmoplastic melanoma (non‐DM), which may be partly explained by the difficulty in diagnosis .…”

“…Often, it is found on chronically sun‐exposed areas, most common in the head and neck . Breslow thickness is usually greater compared to non‐desmoplastic melanoma (non‐DM), which may be partly explained by the difficulty in diagnosis . DM can easily be confused with other benign or malignant lesions, both clinically and histologically .…”

“…Breslow thickness is usually greater compared to non‐desmoplastic melanoma (non‐DM), which may be partly explained by the difficulty in diagnosis . DM can easily be confused with other benign or malignant lesions, both clinically and histologically . On histological examination, DM is characterized by the presence of fusiform melanocytes dispersed in a prominent collagenous stroma.…”