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Exam of numerous tissues shows no significant difference in staging thin melanomas

The optimal number of sections to assess in staging thin melanomas without ulceration was three, with no significant difference in examining numerous tissue sections, according to recent study results.

Researchers in New Zealand conducted a search on the Pathlab database and included 71 cases of cutaneous melanomas 1 mm or less in Breslow thickness that were diagnosed between Jan. 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. The researchers retrospectively retrieved and reviewed slides to compare the identification of the first dermal tumor mitotic figure, if present, at four checkpoints, including the examined first, third, fifth or tenth tissue section.

The series consisted of 52% men with an age range of 32 to 88 years. Cases had a mean Breslow thickness of 0.5 mm, with 12 cases having a Breslow thickness of 0.75 mm or greater.

Upon examining one vs. three tissue sections, there was a statistically significant difference in identification (P=.0411), according to the researchers. However, in the examination of numerous tissue sections, there was no significant difference detected.

“In staging thin melanomas without ulceration, this study shows no significant difference in exhaustively examining tissues sections with dermal invasion for mitotic figures,” the researchers concluded. “A consistent approach to searching for mitotic figures may aid in more accurate prognostic data in future studies.” 

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.