RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The advent of immunotherapy has impacted both the management and, to a lesser extent, the outcomes for patients with head and neck mucosal melanoma. As a consequence, one might expect that the role of the surgeon would be limited to the diagnostic work-up and that systemic therapies would be the mainstay of treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we present the surgical aspects of the recently published United Kingdom Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma Guideline to highlight the continued role of surgeons in the management of this disease. We highlight key areas where surgeons remain the lead clinician and reinforce the multidisciplinary requirement for exemplary patient care. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the advent of immunotherapy, surgeons continue to have a key role to play in this disease. When indicated, it is essential that appropriate surgery is offered by a suitably experienced team.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello , Melanoma , Cirujanos , Terapia Combinada , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/cirugía , Humanos , Inmunoterapia , Melanoma/terapiaRESUMEN
The United Kingdom head and neck mucosal melanoma guideline development group used an evidence-based systematic approach to make recommendations in key areas of uncertainty in the field, including accurate diagnosis and staging; the appropriate treatment pathway including surgery, adjuvant radiation and new systemic treatments, such as targeted agents and immunotherapy; and the surveillance of patients after treatment. The guidelines were sent for international peer review and have been accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. A summary of key recommendations is presented. The full documents are available on the Melanoma Focus website (https://melanomafocus.com/activities/mucosal-guidelines/mucosal-melanoma-resources/).