Background: Cutaneous melanoma is often recognized by its dark color, but s
ome tumors have little or no pigmentation.
Objective: We present the clinical findings of 4 cases of primary cutaneous
amelanotic melanoma in which the clinical diagnosis was unsuspected and on
e case of amelanotic metastatic melanoma.
Methods: Five cases of melanoma are reviewed. The clinical morphology of th
e lesions is presented and discussed. We surveyed the literature regarding
conditions that mimic amelanotic melanoma, and we discuss the treatment and
prognosis for amelanotic melanoma.
Results: Amelanotic melanoma may masquerade as a variety of other condition
s leading to a delay in the diagnosis or an inappropriate biopsy technique.
The prognosis of amelanotic primary tumors is no different from that for i
ts pigmented counterpart.
Conclusion: The clinician should be familiar with the presentation of amela
notic melanoma to facilitate prompt diagnosis.