Cytomorphometric parameters and the metastatic potential of cutaneous and uveal melanoma - A comparison with prognostic factors

The Mean of the Ten Largest Nuclei (MTLN1) is one of the most important pro gnostic factors in uveal malignant melanoma. This study was performed to in vestigate the applicability of nuclear and nucleolar measurements as a prog nostic factor for cutaneous melanoma. A routine light microscope (Carl Zeis s: Axiophot EL-Einnsatz; #451888) at 640 times magnification with a Microme ter Eye Piece (Carl Zeiss: #444034) was used to evaluate the correlation of MTLN1 and Mean of Ten Largest Nuclei (MTLN) with the occurrence of metasta sis in 58 primary cutaneous melanoma. For uveal melanoma, cytologic classif ication Was used for comparison. Prognostic value was determined by univari ate and multivariate linear regression analysis. MTTN1 was the only signifi cant factor for uveal melanoma (p = 0.05). For cutaneous melanoma, all fact ors were significantly associated with disease progression. MTLN1 was the o nly one to remain significant (p + 0.027) in multivariate linear regression analysis. Nuclear and nucleolar morphometry are significant prognostic fac tors for uveal and cutaneous melanoma.