TY - JOUR
T1 - Amelanotic malignant melanoma
AU - Adler, M. J.
AU - White, Jr
PY - 1997
Y1 - 1997
N2 - Amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) often defies clinical diagnosis because of its wide range of clinical appearances and lack of pigmentation. Biopsy of AMM typically yields the correct diagnosis, although the histological findings, especially in metastatic lesions, occasionally may be confused with other malignancies. In cases histologically challenging, immunohistochemical techniques frequently provide diagnostic information. Multiple mechanisms to explain amelanosis have been suggested, all resulting in a single, common amelanotic phenotype. Appropriate studies to compare outcomes of amelanotic versus pigmented melanomas have not been performed. Treatment recommendations for AMM are identical to those for pigmented melanomas, although accurately defining clinical margins of the neoplasm often is challenging. Overall, a high index of suspicion and a low threshold to biopsy unusual clinical lesions ultimately may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment of these frequently lethal malignancies.
AB - Amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) often defies clinical diagnosis because of its wide range of clinical appearances and lack of pigmentation. Biopsy of AMM typically yields the correct diagnosis, although the histological findings, especially in metastatic lesions, occasionally may be confused with other malignancies. In cases histologically challenging, immunohistochemical techniques frequently provide diagnostic information. Multiple mechanisms to explain amelanosis have been suggested, all resulting in a single, common amelanotic phenotype. Appropriate studies to compare outcomes of amelanotic versus pigmented melanomas have not been performed. Treatment recommendations for AMM are identical to those for pigmented melanomas, although accurately defining clinical margins of the neoplasm often is challenging. Overall, a high index of suspicion and a low threshold to biopsy unusual clinical lesions ultimately may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment of these frequently lethal malignancies.
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U2 - 10.1016/S1085-5629(97)80006-5
DO - 10.1016/S1085-5629(97)80006-5
M3 - Review article
C2 - 9220551
AN - SCOPUS:0030854020
SN - 1085-5629
VL - 16
SP - 122
EP - 130
JO - Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery
JF - Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery
IS - 2
ER -