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- Title
Malignant Melanoma in Japan.
- Authors
TAKAHASHI, MASAAKI; SEIJI, MAKOTO
- Abstract
According to recent statistical studies, malignant melanoma even now is found less among Japanese than among white racial groups, although there is a definite upward trend in incidence. One of the characteristics of Japanese melanomas is the high incidence on the sole of the foot and in the mucous membrane. It is of interest to note that a similar high incidence of melanoma was observed on the sole of African Negroes. The recently adopted practical classification of melanoma by Clark and McGovern is described and three cases of a specific type of malignant melanoma; subungual melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma on the sole of the foot and amelanotic nodular melanoma of the gingiva are presented. It has been known that pigmented streaks in the nail bed should be considered as premalignant and that the intraepidermal proliferation of malignant melanocytes can occur even after dermal invasion has taken place. The lentigo maligna melanoma on the sole of the foot should be treated as a fully malignant melanoma, since its recurrence and growth are relatively rapid and metastasis also develops easily. A useful biochemical test (tyrosinase reaction) for amelanotic melanoma, histopathological diagnosis of which is quite difficult is described. Some practical problems on the diagnoses of melanoma are discussed: it is seen that melanomas appear to develop quite often from preexisting pigmented nevus and the initial symptoms noticed by the patient are an increase in size and a change in color. Biopsy of the pigmented lesion suspected of being a melanoma should be carried out if necessary. Total excision with adequate marginal skin is a choice of biopsy. As treatment measures, the most effective treatment for malignant melanoma at present is surgical excision. A wide excision with a 5cm margin followed by skin grafting is recommended for most primary lesions. The radical regional lymph nodes dissection should be carried out afterwards.
- Publication
Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, 1974, Vol 4, Issue 1, p33
- ISSN
0368-2811
- Publication type
Article