Clinical investigation of 38 cases of oral mucosal melanoma: A multicentre retrospective analysis in Japan

Abstract

Background/Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate treatment modalities and outcomes in oral mucosal melanoma.

Methods

The clinical and pathological data of 38 consecutive patients with oral mucosal melanoma were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' characteristics were analyzed and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated.

Results

Sixteen patients had stage III (42%), 19 IVA (50%), and three had stage IVC (8%) disease. Among the therapeutic approaches used, 31 patients (82%) received radical therapy (surgery +/− chemotherapy). The 5-year OS rate was 40%. Five-year OS rates according to the clinical stage were 71% for stage III, 24% for stage IVA, and 0% for stage IVC. Five-year OS rates according to therapeutic approaches were 52% in the radical therapy group and 0% in the palliative therapy and best supportive care groups.

Conclusions

The results of this multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with oral mucosal melanoma suggest that radical therapy based on surgical treatments with complete surgical excision with clear margins leads to a better prognosis.

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