Ultrasound evaluation of the local metastasis of primary melanoma

Background. The aim of our study was to improve the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma by synthesis, systematization and development of new ultrasound criteria for the primary tumor. Materials and methods. The prospective analysis of the ultrasound study results of primary skin melanoma of different localization in 140 patients. The results of preoperative ultrasound examination were compared with data of histology of the resected tumor. Results. Ultrasonic semiotic signs of the primary tumor were developed. A dependence of the ultrasound picture of the thickness of melanoma was revealed. The most common characteristics of primary skin melanoma are homogeneous structure of low echogenicity (85 (65,9%) cases) and fusiform (79 (61,2%) cases). Conclusion. Ultrasound allows to evaluate the local metastasis of primary skin melanoma and measure its thickness (r=0,91; p<0,001) on pre-operative stage with a high degree of confidence. This contributes early selection of appropriate treatment and increase survival of patients with malignant cutaneous melanoma.

melanoma, skin, ultrasound