Outcomes and prognostic factors in superficial spreading melanoma

Background Prognostic factors and risk factors for positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy results are important to identify in superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). Methods A single-center database and a prospective clinical trial database were reviewed for all patients with diagnoses of SSM. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox models were used. Results A total of 1,643 patients with SSM were identified. Independent risk factors for positive SLN biopsy results were Breslow thickness (BT) ≥2.0 mm, age <60 years, and presence of ulceration. BT ≥2.0 mm, ulceration, lymphovascular invasion, and positive SLN and positive non-SLN biopsy results were independent risk factors for worse disease-free survival. Independent overall survival risk factors included BT ≥2.0 mm, age ≥60 years, ulceration, nonextremity tumor location, lymphovascular invasion, and positive SLN biopsy results. Conclusions BT, ulceration, lymphovascular invasion, and SLN and non-SLN status are important risk factors for SSM.