Amelanotic melanoma: The great masquerader

Citation
Se. Koch et Jr. Lange, Amelanotic melanoma: The great masquerader, J AM ACAD D, 42(5), 2000, pp. 731-734
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Dermatology,"da verificare
Journal title
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
ISSN journal
01909622 → ACNP
Volume
42
Issue
5
Year of publication
2000
Part
1
Pages
731 - 734
Database
ISI
SICI code
0190-9622(200005)42:5<731:AMTGM>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
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.