ALTERED LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION AT THE SITE OF MELANOMA EXCISION

IM Ariel

Abstract


Local excision of malignant melanoma promotes
both disruption and regeneration of
regional lymphatics. These disturbances in local
lymphatic drainage favor escape of residual
melanoma cells either locally or in transit from
more distal sites. Accordingly, a wide tridimensional
resection to eradicate all local tumor and
circumvent interstitial entrapment and migration
of melanoma cells is still advocated. Changes in
lymph vessels after excision also demand caution
when distal endolymphatic isotopes are administered.
Lymph leakage and trapping with
overconcentration of the isotope may result in excess
local irradiation and skin breakdown.
Inasmuch as lymphatic dissemination of
malignant melanoma is an important and
often primary pathway of transporting
melanoma cells, alterations in regional lymphatic
drainage bear on treatment policy.
This study demonstrates changes in
regional lymphatics after local excision of a
peripheral malignant melanoma.


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