Sinonasal mucosal melanomas

Abstract

Objectives: Sinonasal mucosal melanomas account for approximately 1% of all melanomas. These tumors are particularly aggressive, with a recurrence rate between 37 and 54% and a 5-year survival rate between 20 and 46%. Metastases are frequent. The main objective of this study was to analyze all of our cases of sinonasal mucosal melanomas and determine any prognostic factors.

Patients and methods: All our cases of sinonasal mucosal melanoma over a period of 10 years were included. Ten cases were analyzed. The mean age was 71 years (range: 61-85 years) for seven women and three men. The clinical, radiological, anatomopathological, and surgical data as well as the characteristics of disease progression were analyzed. These data were compared to those reported in the literature.

Results: The mean follow-up was 36.3 months (range: 2-96 months). The 5-year overall survival was 40%. Seven patients developed local recurrences after a mean follow-up of 16 months (range: 2-27 months) with associated metastases in three cases. Analysis of the prognostic factors showed that tumors classified as T1 and limited to the nasal fossae had a better prognosis.

Conclusion: Sinonasal mucosal melanomas are rare tumors with a high mortality rate. Treatment of these tumors requires extensive surgical treatment associated with external radiotherapy.