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Cassalia F, Danese A, Cocchi E, Danese E, Ambrogio F, Cazzato G, Mazza M, Zambello A, Belloni Fortina A, Melandri D. Misdiagnosis and Clinical Insights into Acral Amelanotic Melanoma-A Systematic Review. J Pers Med 2024; 14:518. [PMID: 38793100 PMCID: PMC11121852 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acral amelanotic melanomas (AAMs), a rare subset of melanomas located on acral sites such as the palms, soles, and subungual areas, are diagnostically challenging due to their lack of typical pigmentation and often benign clinical appearance. Misdiagnosis is common, leading to delays in treatment and potentially worse outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on cases of AAM initially misdiagnosed as other conditions, to better understand their clinical and epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic pitfalls, and management strategies. METHODS A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases was conducted up to March 2024. Case reports and small case series of AAMs initially misdiagnosed as other conditions were included. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and diagnostic methods were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Of the 152 records identified, 26 cases from 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. A demographic analysis revealed that the gender distribution appears to be perfectly balanced, with an age range of 38 to 91 years. Misdiagnoses included non-healing ulcers or traumatic lesions (37.5%), benign proliferative lesions (29.2%) and infectious lesions (20.8%). The foot was the most affected site (53.8%). Notably, a histological evaluation was performed in 50% of cases involving the upper extremities, in contrast to only 7.1% of cases involving the foot and 0% of cases of the heel. This discrepancy suggests a reluctance to perform biopsies in the lower extremities, which may contribute to a higher misdiagnosis rate in these areas. CONCLUSIONS The underutilization of biopsy in the diagnosis of lower extremity lesions contributes significantly to the misdiagnosis and delay in treatment of AAMs. Especially when the clinical assessment and dermoscopy are inconclusive, biopsies of suspicious lesions are essential. Immunohistochemistry and markers such as PRAME are critical in differentiating melanoma from other malignancies such as clear cell sarcoma. This review highlights the need for increased vigilance and a proactive diagnostic approach to increase early detection rates and improve prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fortunato Cassalia
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.Z.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Andrea Danese
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.D.); (E.D.)
| | - Enrico Cocchi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (D.M.)
- Department of Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, AUSL Romagna, 47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Danese
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.D.); (E.D.)
| | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marcodomenico Mazza
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Anna Zambello
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.Z.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Anna Belloni Fortina
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.Z.); (A.B.F.)
- Regional Center for Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Women’s, and Children’s Health (SDB), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Melandri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (D.M.)
- Cesena Skin Clinic and Regional Skin Bank, AUSL Romagna, 47121 Forlì, Italy
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Bertlich I, Enk A, Toberer F. [Plantar melanoma: A wolf in sheep's clothing]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2022; 147:351-354. [PMID: 35291043 DOI: 10.1055/a-1748-6050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS Amelanotic melanoma (AM) is a subtype of melanoma characterized by a diminished or lacking melanin synthesis. AM, especially ulcerated variants of the plantar region (AMP), are often clinically misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment initiation. THERAPY AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT We present a case series of 4 AMP and give a detailed overview about clinical features and the subsequent medical history of this severe disease. CONCLUSIONS AMP shows a variety of clinical presentations and particularly elderly patients with many accompanying medical conditions are in danger of incorrect clinical diagnoses. Therefore, we recommend to biopsy any amelanotic plantar ulcer or tumor that does not respond to treatment within 6 weeks to rule out AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Bertlich
- Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg
| | - Alexander Enk
- Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg
| | - Ferdinand Toberer
- Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg
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Pampena R, Lai M, Lombardi M, Mirra M, Raucci M, Lallas A, Apalla Z, Argenziano G, Pellacani G, Longo C. Clinical and Dermoscopic Features Associated With Difficult-to-Recognize Variants of Cutaneous Melanoma: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol 2020; 156:430-439. [PMID: 32101255 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.4912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Importance The clinical and dermoscopic features of the vast majority of uncommon variants of cutaneous melanoma have been rarely reported, leading to difficulty in making accurate diagnoses. Objective To define the main clinical and dermoscopic features of the most frequently reported but uncommon histologic variants of cutaneous melanoma. Evidence Review A 2-step systematic review of the literature was performed (from inception to November 2018) using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The first step identified those uncommon variants of melanoma for which at least 1 case reporting dermoscopy was described in the literature. The keywords searched were melanoma, uncommon, rare, dermoscopy, and dermatoscopy. In the second step, each previously identified uncommon variant was searched for in the same databases by combining the following terms with melanoma, dermoscopy, and dermatoscopy: amelanotic, hypopigmented, animal, melanocytoma, balloon, desmoplastic, follicular, nested, nevoid, dermal, spitz*, spindle, and verrucous. The institution's database was also searched from January 2012 to September 2019 for histopathologically confirmed cases of the same melanoma variants. Each reviewer also assessed the quality of reporting in the included articles based on previously described guidelines. Findings In total, 62 articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting 433 melanoma cases. An additional 56 cases of uncommon melanoma variants were retrieved from the institution's database for a total of 489 cases: 283 cases of amelanotic superficial spreading melanoma, 18 cases of animal-type and pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma, 7 cases of balloon cell melanoma, 71 cases of desmoplastic melanoma, 3 cases of follicular melanoma, 10 cases of nested melanoma, 33 cases of nevoid melanoma, 2 cases of primary dermal melanoma, 57 cases of spitzoid melanoma, and 5 cases of verrucous melanoma. These variants of melanoma occurred more frequently in women than men (147 cases vs 132 cases). Clinically, these tumors were mainly palpable (162 of 217 [74.7%]) or amelanotic (283 of 489 [57.9%]) lesions that could resemble other benign or malignant skin conditions; dermoscopy typically revealed a homogeneous pinkish background, white structures, and polymorphic vessels. The mean age of all included was 58 years (range, 1-89 years). Conclusions and Relevance Uncommon melanoma variants may resemble both inflammatory disorders and other cutaneous neoplasms, representing a diagnostic pitfall even for the most experienced dermatologist. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide an extensive and detailed overview of specific clinical and dermoscopic features of each uncommon melanoma variant, highlighting the main criteria for differentiating these variants from other benign or malignant skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pampena
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Michela Lai
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Mara Lombardi
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marica Mirra
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Margherita Raucci
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Aimilios Lallas
- First Dermatology Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zoe Apalla
- First Dermatology Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Caterina Longo
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Paolino G, Bearzi P, Pampena R, Longo C, Frascione P, Rizzo N, Raucci M, Carbone A, Cantisani C, Ricci F, Didona D, Frattini F, Bulotta A, Gregorc V, Mercuri SR. Clinicopathological and dermoscopic features of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma: a retrospective multicentric study. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:1371-1380. [PMID: 32726478 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma (AHM) has a higher risk of delayed diagnosis and a significant lower 5-year melanoma-specific survival compared to pigmented melanoma. Our aim was the evaluation of the clinicopathological/dermoscopic features of amelanotic melanoma (AM) and hypomelanotic melanoma (HM). METHODS All participants had a personal history of AHM. We defined HM as showing clinical/dermoscopic pigmentation in < 25% of the lesion's surface and histopathological focal pigmentation, while AM as melanomas with clinical/dermoscopic and histopathological absence of pigmentation. RESULTS The most common phenotypic traits among the 145 AHM patients were as follows: phototype II, blue-grey eyes, and dark brown hair. Red hair was present in 23.8% AHM cases (AM = 22.60%; HM = 25.80%). The most affected area was the back (29.5%). A total of 67.1% were classified as AM and 32.9% as HM. The most represented hair colors in AM and HM were, respectively, blonde and dark brown hair. Median Breslow thickness was 1.7 mm, superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM) were the most represented histotypes, and mitotic rate > 1 × mm2 was reported in 73.3% cases, and regression was significantly more present in HM. Dermoscopy showed high prevalence of white structureless zones (63.4%), linear looped vessels (58.8%), linear irregular vessels (50.0%), and arborizing vessels (47.2%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the association between the presence of pigmentation and the following: histological regression, dermoscopic globules, and arborizing vessels. CONCLUSIONS Predominance of red hair in AHM patients was not confirmed. AHM affects mostly intermittent sun-exposed body areas. The deeper median Breslow thickness (versus pigmented melanoma), the association of AM with the nodular histotype, and the high mitotic rate highlight the AHM's aggressiveness. HM's higher levels of regression can be explained by the presence of pigmentation, driving the underlying immune response. AHM showed a polymorphous vascular pattern and significant presence of arborizing vessels (especially HM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Dermatologic Clinic, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Bearzi
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pampena
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Caterina Longo
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Frascione
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nathalie Rizzo
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Anna Carbone
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Cantisani
- Dermatologic Clinic, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Melanoma Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI), Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Didona
- Melanoma Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Bulotta
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Vanesa Gregorc
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Santo R Mercuri
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Gong H, Zheng H, Li J. Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of amelanotic acral melanoma: A comparative study with pigmented acral melanoma. Australas J Dermatol 2020; 61:358-361. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui‐Zi Gong
- Department of Dermatology Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
| | - He‐Yi Zheng
- Department of Dermatology Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Dermatology Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
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Rare presentation of eczema-like amelanotic melanoma of the forearm with its dermoscopic differentiation. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2019; 36:635-638. [PMID: 31839783 PMCID: PMC6906973 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2019.89510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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