Treatment outcomes of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck: Analysis of 190 cases from a single institution

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) from a single institution. METHODS: From December 1989 to November 2018, 190 patients diagnosed with MMHN were included. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method for univariate analysis with a log‐rank test for significance and Cox regression for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: With a median follow‐up time of 43.5 months, 126 (68.5%) patients died. The median DSS was 35 months. The 3‐ and 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 48.1% and 33.7%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 34 months. The 3‐ and 5‐year OS rates were 47.0% and 32.9%, respectively. In univariate analysis, the T3 stage, received surgery, R0 resection, and combined therapy (surgery+biotherapy/biochemotherapy) were significantly associated with better survival. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the T4 stage (HR = 1.692; 95% CI, 1.175–2.438; p = .005) and the N1 stage (HR = 1.600; 95% CI, 1.023–2.504; p = .039) were strong prognostic factors for poor survival, and that combined therapy (surgery+biotherapy/biochemotherapy) was a strong prognostic factor for better survival outcome (HR = 0.563; 95% CI, 0.354–0.896; p = .015). CONCLUSION: The prognosis of MMHN remains poor. Systemic treatment is warranted to reduce MMHN progression. Surgery combined with biotherapy may improve survival.