Clinically and dermoscopically featureless melanoma: when prevention fails

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Jun;46(6):957-9. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2002.120569.

Abstract

We report a case of amelanotic melanoma that was clinically and dermoscopically featureless; it was repeatedly missed during examination at a pigmented lesion clinic. Dermoscopy evidenced a peculiar vascular pattern, and only the adoption of a specific diagnostic algorithm including the atypical vascular pattern among the major diagnostic criteria would have helped the observer make the correct diagnosis. The risk of false-negative diagnosis by both clinical examination and dermoscopy during melanoma screening as well as the possible role of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of amelanotic melanoma are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dermatology / instrumentation
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / pathology
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thigh