Quantification of the microvasculature heterogeneity in cutaneous melanoma

Background: Recent advances in angiogenesis research have led to the introd uction of new prognosis factors. Although the Vessel count is effective in breast cancer, the prognosis of primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) does not s eems to be directly influenced by this parameter However, the microscopic e x; amination of PCM suggests variability in the repartition of the microvas culature. Objective and Method: To explore the possibility of extracting in formation about the vessel distribution by performing a textural analysis o n the grey level of histological sections by means of fractal characterizat ion by both Fourier spectrum and multifractal analysis. Results: Three diff erent patterns of vasculature were identified according to the vessel densi ty and distribution, Conclusion: It is possible to differentiate and quanti fy clearly the differences in the microvessel profile organization using th e fractal and multifractal methods.