Malignant Melanomas

Malignant melanomas are a group of malignant neoplasms, primarily on the skin, that are composed of melanocytes (melanin- producing cells) (8, 17). Most melanomas develop from a pigmented nevus over a period of several months or years and occur most commonly in fair-skinned people with light-colored eyes. A previous sunburn can increase the risk of a person developing a melanoma. Any black or brown spot having an irregular border, pigment appearing to radiate beyond the border, a red, black and blue coloration observable on closer examination, or a nodular surface is suggestive of melanoma and is usually excised for biopsy (17). This paper will look at the classification, epidemiology, diagnosis, genetics, treatment, and prognosis of malignant melanomas.

Melanomas occur in several different types: amelanotic melanoma, juvenile melanoma, lentigo malignant melanoma, nodular melanoma, primary cutaneous melanoma, and superficial spreading melanoma (17). Melanoma can spread and cause tumors to develop in other areas of the body (8). Melanomas usually occur in families with a history of melanoma, in people who have had lengthy exposure to the sun and/or have had sunburns, or exposure to tar or arsenic (8).

Cutaneous malignant melanoma, once considered a rare tumor, is now the fourth commonest cancer in Australia and New Zealand, the tenth in the Unites States, Canada, and Scandinavia, and the eighth in Great Britain. The increase in the incidence of melanoma and its mor

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reported to maintain vision closer to their preoperative levels. Palladium-103 was used in place of Iodine 125 because it can provide more radiation to the tumor while decreasing the amount of radiation to the normal parts of the eye. An evaluation of the effect of irradiation on the immunotherapeutic response of cancer vaccines suggests that the process actually boosts the immunoresponsiveness of cytokine-producing tumor vaccines (15). In order for cytokine-gene modified tumor cells to be used in humans, the tumor cells must be inactivated by irradiation to ensure the arrest of their growth. Tests in mice showed enhanced expression of antigens and increased cytokine secretion in mouse cell lines. A slight reduction of the antitumor activity of IL-2-modified human melanomas was seen, but it did not reduce the in vivo protective and immunotherapeutic capabilities of the B-16-transduced cell vaccine. Schrayer et al (22) have shown that a single prophylactic intrasplenic inoculation of B 700 antigen stimulates the production of antibodies which have antiproliferative effects on B16 F10 melanoma cells in vitro. In mice, intrasplenic injection of B700 antigen elicited an increase in the expression of the CD25 surface antigen (

Category: Medical - M