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Richard Sagebiel, MD

Arch Dermatol. 1985;121(9):1125-1126.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

Regression of malignant melanoma is a complex interaction between host and tumor. The end result, when successful from the host's point of view, is complete destruction of tumor cells, leaving only scar. Clinically, regression usually shows irregular loss of pigment, with a macular gray or blue-gray zone. Histologically, regression can be recognized in its early stages by the cellular inflammatory host response seen in the radial growth phase of superficial spreading malignant melanomas. Later end-stage regression is characterized by fibrosis and residual inflammatory cells with incontinence of pigment. The complexity of regression is illustrated by the fact that some patients have malignant melanoma that remains in the radial growth phase for several years without apparent clinical or histologic end-stage regression, while others may have both clinical and histologic evidence of regression relatively early in the evolution of the disease.

Does regression have clinical usefulness as a marker for the potential . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
Department of Pathology 501 HSW University of California Medical Center San Francisco, CA 94143

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