Considerations for Timing of Defect Reconstruction in Cutaneous Melanoma of the Head and Neck.

The objective of this study is to identify the incidence and characteristics of cases with positive margins on wide local excision for cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck (CMHN) and therefore provide a potential basis for selectively delaying reconstruction pending final histological clearance of melanoma. A systematic review of English language articles was performed on studies retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science. Original investigations published between July 1999 and June 2018 reporting on margin status of CMHN wide local excision specimens were included in the review.

Patterns of recurrence and retreatment outcomes among clinical stage I and II head and neck melanoma patients.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine survival outcomes in patients who underwent retreatment of recurrent cases of cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck (CMHN).

Methods: Retrospective review of all patients who were treated for primary clinical stage I or II CMHN between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2015.

Results: Twenty percent (33/168) of the patients developed a recurrence.