SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

Proliferative potential in benign mixed salivary gland tumors and its value in primary and recurrent neoplasms
Anna Kazanceva, Valerie Groma, Liene Smane, Egils Kornevs, Uldis Teibe
35-41

Relationship between radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joint and bone mineral density: A population based study
Oksana Jagur, Mart Kull, Edvitar Leibur, Riina Kallikorm, Dagmar Loorits, Margus Lember, Ülle Voog – Oras
42-48

Prognostic factors and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous and mucosal head and neck melanoma
Anna Berzina, Kristine Azarjana, Ingrida Cema, Dace Pjanova, Alexander Rivosh
49-54

Comparative analysis of CRT Buffer, GC Saliva Check Buffer tests and laboratory titration to evaluate saliva buffering capacity
Ilze Maldupa, Anda Brinkmane, Anna Mihailova
55-61

The relation between oral hygiene skills and the prevalence of dental caries among 4 - 6-yearoldchildren
Jaunė Razmienė, Giedrius Vanagas, Eglė Bendoraitienė, Aurelija Vyšniauskaitė
62-67

Evaluation of oral health status of retirement-age population in Latvia
Aldis Vidzis, Ingrida Cema, Ingrida Krasta, Anda Brinkmane, Imants Kalnins
68-72

Stomatologija 2011; 13 (2): 49-54 262 KB

Prognostic factors and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous and mucosal head and neck melanoma

Anna Berzina, Kristine Azarjana, Ingrida Cema, Dace Pjanova, Alexander Rivosh

Summary

The objective. To describe the prognostic factors and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous and mucosal head and neck melanoma and to identify the variables associated with mortality from this disease.

Material and methods. Patients treated for head and neck melanoma in the Oncology Centre of Latvia, Riga during a 10-year period were identified. Records from 124 cases were analyzed in a descriptive, retrospective study. For each patient, information regarding age, sex, tumor anatomic site, as well as ulceration, histological tumor subtypes, Breslow thickness and Clark invasion level was viewed. Disease specific survival rates were calculated. The frequencies of all study variables and their 95% confidence intervals were determined. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were produced to illustrate the survival diferences for each variable.

Results. The patients’ mean age was 67.36 years. The study included 81 females (65.32%) and 43 males (34.67%). The prevalent anatomical site for cutaneous head and neck melanoma was the cheek – 49% (n=55) and the intraocular site for mucosal melanoma (61.5%). A high percentage of thick cutaneous melanoma was detected. In 53 cases (47.3%) out of 112 cutaneous melanoma the tumor ulceration was found. Nodular melanoma subtype was predominating (38%). The incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased unequally whereas mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is an uncommon cancer and the incidence rates in Latvia during a ten year period are decreasing.

Conclusion. Female sex, advanced age, facial skin, tumor thickness, nodular subtype and ulceration carried a relevant risk of poor prognosis.

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¹The Clinic of Laserplastics, Riga, Latvia

²Riga Stradins University, Doctoral Studies

³Riga Stradins University; The Oncology Center of Latvia

⁴Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre

⁵University of Latvia, Faculty of Computing

Anna Berzina¹ – Dr. Med.

Kristine Azarjana² – PhD student

Ingrida Cema³ – Dr. Habil. Med., prof.

Dace Pjanova⁴ – PhD, researcher

Alexander Rivosh⁵ – MSc. comp., researcher

Address correspondence to Dr. Anna Berzina, Vairoga Street 38-1, Riga LV-1039, Latvia.
E-mail address: berzina.anna@gmail.com