Histological lymphovascular invasion is associated with nodal involvement, recurrence, and survival in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma

Abstract

BackgroundInvasion of the lymphatic or vascular vessels by the primary tumor is considered a sign of aggressive disease that leads to metastases to the regional lymph nodes and to distant sites. Although lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is one of the major characteristics of a primary melanoma tumor, its prognostic significance remains controversial.