Increased incidence of brain metastases in cutaneous head and neck melanoma.

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing, and 10-20% of these melanomas are located in the head and neck region. The incidence of brain metastases, risk factors and outcome were analysed for melanomas originating in the head and neck region. During the period 1965-2000, 324 patients [152 females (47%), 172 males (53%)] were treated for cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.