Prognostic features in angiosarcoma of the head and neck: a retrospective monocenter study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the head and neck (cAS-HN) is a rare malignancy with poor survival. Most of the histological markers and grading were not proven to be significant for prediction of outcomes in cAS-HN. This study aimed to find prognostic clinical features and histologic markers for cAS-HN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed primary cAS-HN's seen in a single institution between 1980 and 2009. Clinical data and specific histologic characteristics were assessed. Outcome parameters were analysed using uni- and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: 80 patients (mean age 71.4 (SD 14.4) years, average follow-up time 55.3 (SD 74.4) months) were included. 5-year DSS rate was 62%. Univariate analysis revealed the extent of primary tumour (affecting more than one anatomical region), incomplete resection and initial metastatic disease as significant (p < 0.05) predictors for unfavourable disease specific survival (DSS) rates and time. Multivariate analysis confirmed age over 70 years, incomplete resection and initially distant metastasis influencing outcome adversely. Analysis of specific histological markers in 37 cases found patterns of growth (solid areas greater than 80%) associated with better survival (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: In conclusion age, number of affected regions, initial metastasis, complete initial resection and pattern of growth significantly affected mortality rates.

Malignant melanoma S3-guideline "diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of melanoma".

This first German evidence-based guideline for cutaneous melanoma was developed under the auspices of the German Dermatological Society (DDG) and the Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group (DeCOG) and funded by the German Guideline Program in Oncology. The recommendations are based on a systematic literature search, and on the consensus of 32 medical societies, working groups and patient representatives. This guideline contains recommendations concerning diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of melanoma. The diagnosis of primary melanoma based on clinical features and dermoscopic criteria. It is confirmed by histopathologic examination after complete excision with a small margin. For the staging of melanoma, the AJCC classification of 2009 is used. The definitive excision margins are 0.5 cm for in situ melanomas, 1 cm for melanomas with up to 2 mm tumor thickness and 2 cm for thicker melanomas, they are reached in a secondary excision. From 1 mm tumor thickness, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended. For stages II and III, adjuvant therapy with interferon-alpha should be considered after careful analysis of the benefits and possible risks. In the stage of locoregional metastasis surgical treatment with complete lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice. In the presence of distant metastasis mutational screening should be performed for BRAF mutation, and eventually for CKIT and NRAS mutations. In the presence of mutations in case of inoperable metastases targeted therapies should be applied. Furthermore, in addition to standard chemotherapies, new immunotherapies such as the CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab are available. Regular follow-up examinations are recommended for a period of 10 years, with an intensified schedule for the first three years.