Image analysis of stage 1 melanoma (1.00-2.50 mm): lymphocytic infiltrates related to metastasis and survival

J Cutan Pathol. 1992 Oct;19(5):390-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.1992.tb00611.x.

Abstract

Image analysis of histologic sections of 11 patients with clinical Stage 1 melanoma, 1.00 mm-2.50 mm, who developed metastasis, was done to determine the significance of lymphocytic infiltrates relative to metastasis and survival. An age, sex, site, and thickness matched control group of non-metastasizing clinical Stage 1 melanoma revealed no significant difference in the lymphocytic infiltrate parameters from the metastasizing group with the exception of the ratio of lymphocyte infiltrate width to the tumor width (p = 0.003). Increased lymphocytic infiltrates within the tumor and subjacent to its base significantly correlated with delayed time to metastasis (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively) and longer survival period (p = 0.045 and p < 0.001, respectively). Lymphocytic infiltrate area at the tumor base in relation to tumor area was of prognostic value: the larger the ratio, the greater the time interval from metastasis to death (p = 0.008).

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / pathology*
  • Melanoma / mortality
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Prognosis
  • Regression Analysis
  • Skin Neoplasms / mortality
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*