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Research Article
A proposal for the timing of management of patients with melanoma presenting during pregnancy
Article first published online: 13 FEB 2012
DOI: 10.1002/jso.23035
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issue
Journal of Surgical Oncology
Early View (Online Version of Record published before inclusion in an issue)
Additional Information
How to Cite
Broer, N., Buonocore, S., Goldberg, C., Truini, C., Faries, M. B., Narayan, D. and Ariyan, S. (2012), A proposal for the timing of management of patients with melanoma presenting during pregnancy. J. Surg. Oncol.. doi: 10.1002/jso.23035
Publication History
- Article first published online: 13 FEB 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 15 DEC 2011
- Manuscript Received: 13 MAY 2011
Funded by
- National Cancer Institute. Grant Number: CA-16359
- National Cancer Institute. Grant Number: 1 P50 CA121974
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- melanoma;
- pregnancy;
- algorithm
Abstract
The treatment of melanoma during and immediately after pregnancy poses a significant challenge to surgeons, oncologists, and patients alike. With the overall increase in incidence of melanoma in the United States and worldwide, it is likely that more surgeons will be faced with management decisions regarding pregnant patients with melanoma. We report on five patients who presented to the Yale Melanoma Unit with melanoma during their pregnancy. We propose the management option of resection of the primary tumor under local anesthesia, and postponing of the sentinel lymph node biopsy until after the birth of the child. The completion lymphadenectomy can be performed if these nodes are found to be harboring metastases. We further discuss treatment options and propose an algorithm for management of patients diagnosed with melanoma while pregnant. J. Surg. Oncol © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.