VARIATIONS IN THE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF MALIGNANT-MELANOMA

High-resolution ultrasound plays an important role in the preoperative assessment of malignant melanoma. The typical ultrasonographic image showing few internal echoes and sharp delineation allows statements on the benign or malignant nature and on tumour thickness. Diagnostic pi tfalls are encountered if deviations from the typical structure are pr esent, as they are caused by underlying dermal naevi, lymphocytic infi ltration, or hair follicles. We describe variations in the ultrasonic imaging of malignant melanoma with reference to three cases.