AAD recommendations on treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma and evaluation of evidence of regional disease.
The American Academy of Dermatology commissioned a working group to author and update guidelines on the clinical management of primary cutaneous melanoma. The guidelines should be carefully read by those involved in the care of melanoma patients. Nevertheless, here is a quick synopsis of key recommendations:
Pathology
The essential components of a melanoma pathology report are thickness, ulceration, dermal mitotic rate (mitoses/mm2), peripheral and deep margins, Clark level, and microsatellitosis (a frequently overlooked feature). The presence of microsatellitosis in even a thin melanoma upstages the cancer to Stage IIIb and may trigger a consultation with medical oncology.
Staging
The 2009 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging syst…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)