Amelanotic melanoma: The great masquerader

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.