Importance: Head and neck melanoma is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is currently increasing in prevalence. While there is a tremendous amount of research published on melanoma, the actual evidence for complex clinical decision-making can be difficult to interpret and to stay up-to-date on current clinical standards.
Objective: To address, in a systematic and evidence-based approach, the most common clinical controversies with regard to the workup and management of head and neck melanoma.
Evidence review: A PubMed and Medline search was performed of the entire English literature with respect to head and neck melanoma. Priority of review was given to those studies with higher-quality levels of evidence.
Findings: Main topics reviewed in this article include workup for new melanoma, surgical treatment of the primary site, surgical treatment of the neck, adjuvant radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. Levels of evidence are used for each controversial clinical question to help the clinician understand the reliability of the current evidence when making complex clinical decisions for melanoma management of the head and neck. However, much of the work done in melanoma, particularly large randomized clinical trials, includes many other regions of the body. Therefore, these data must be interpreted in light of the potential differences in clinical behavior and draining lymphatics between trunk, limbs, and head and neck subsites.
Conclusions and relevance: The management of head and neck melanoma requires a multidisciplinary approach, particularly for advanced-stage disease. An in-depth knowledge of the current evidence available will help guide the surgeon in the management of this difficult disease.