Malignant Melanoma Cells and Hair Follicles: Focusing on Head and Neck Melanomas

Objectives: The extension of atypical melanocytes to the hair follicle, also termed melanoma folliculotropism, is poorly evaluated and its role is contradictory. We performed an observational study focusing on anatomical areas rich in follicles, such as the head and neck region. Methods: Primary hea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of clinical pathology 2019-07, Vol.152 (1), p.109-114
Main Authors: Dika, Emi, Veronesi, Giulia, Misciali, Cosimo, Co, Dika, Ines, Riefolo, Mattia, Scarfi, Federica, Lambe, Patrizi, Annalisa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer
Care and treatment
Diagnosis
Follicles
Hair follicles
Head and neck
Head and neck cancer
Localization
Medical examination
Medical prognosis
Melanocytes
Melanoma
Oncology, Experimental
Prognosis
Scalp
Skin cancer
Statistical analysis
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Summary:Objectives: The extension of atypical melanocytes to the hair follicle, also termed melanoma folliculotropism, is poorly evaluated and its role is contradictory. We performed an observational study focusing on anatomical areas rich in follicles, such as the head and neck region. Methods: Primary head and neck melanomas diagnosed in the Melanoma Unit, Policlinic Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna were analyzed. Folliculotropism was evaluated with a quantitative and morphologic parameter. Statistical analyses were performed correlating patients' prognosis with folliculotropism and other clinical and histopathologic factors. Results: The study was carried out on a sample of 62 patients. The diffuse distribution (atypical melanocytes present in more than three contiguous follicular units) correlated with scalp localization, nodular subtype, higher Breslow thickness, and a poorer prognosis. Conclusions: We believe that folliculotropism should be further investigated and reported by pathologists during the histologic diagnosis of melanoma. Key Words: Melanoma; Head and neck; Prognosis; Folliculotropism; Breslow thickness
ISSN:0002-9173
1943-7722
DOI:10.1093/AJCP/AQZ029