amelanotic malignant melanoma

Last reviewed 01/2018

A small but significant proportion of melanoma may present without any pigmentation which are labeled as amelanotic melanoma (1).

  • it may occur in any of the four clinico-pathological variants
  • their prognosis is poor since they are frequently recognised late
  • present as erythematous papules or nodules, lacking significant pigmentation
  • commonly seen on acral areas such as the feet (1)
Confusion with basal cell carcinoma, sqamous cell carcinoma and other non-pigmented skin tumours is common.

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