Blood Flow in Skin Melanoma
Author Information
Author(s): A. Srivastava, L.E. Hughes, J.P. Woodcock, P. Laidler
Primary Institution: University of Wales College of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between blood flow in primary skin melanomas and tumor behavior using Doppler ultrasound and histology.
Conclusion
The study found that higher blood flow signals in melanomas correlate with greater tumor thickness and may indicate a higher risk of recurrence.
Supporting Evidence
- 97% of tumors thicker than 0.8mm had detectable blood flow.
- Only 10 of 36 thin melanomas with thickness less than 0.8mm were flow positive.
- Significantly higher peak and mean systolic frequencies were found in the recurrence group compared to the no recurrence group.
Takeaway
The thicker the melanoma, the more blood flow it has, which can help doctors understand how serious the cancer is.
Methodology
Doppler ultrasound was used to measure blood flow in 71 primary untreated skin melanomas, and histological assessments were performed on selected cases.
Limitations
The study was based on a relatively small sample size and followed patients for only 2 years.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 29-86 years, with 41 females and 26 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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