IMAGE-ANALYSIS OF STAGE-1 MELANOMA (1.00-2.50 MM) - LYMPHOCYTIC INFILTRATES RELATED TO METASTASIS AND SURVIVAL

Image analysis of histologic sections of 11 patients with clinical Stage 1 melanoma, 1.00 mm - 2.50 mm, who developed metastasis, was done to determine the significance of lymphocytic infiltrates relative to metastasis and survival. An age, sex, site, and thickness matched control group of non-metastasizing clinical Stage 1 melanoma revealed no significant difference in the lymphocytic infiltrate parameters from the metastasizing group with the exception of the ratio of lymphocyte infiltrate width to the tumor width (p = 0.003). Increased lymphocytic infiltrates within the tumor and subjacent to its base significantly correlated with delayed time to metastasis (p = 0.014 and p <0.001, respectively) and longer survival period (p = 0.045 and p <0.001, respectively). Lymphocytic infiltrate area at the tumor base in relation to tumor area was of prognostic value: the larger the ratio, the greater the time interval from metastasis to death (p = 0.008).