Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Bilateral diffuse melanocytic proliferation associated with ovarian carcinoma and metastatic malignant amelanotic melanoma.

Duong HV, McLean IW, Beahm DE

Department of Ophthalmic Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC, USA. Tenthsfg@msn.com

PURPOSE: To report a case of metastatic malignant amelanotic melanoma to the skin from a patient diagnosed with bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP). This dermatological finding is a unique phenomenon associated with BDUMP. DESIGN: Retrospective case report. METHODS: We studied the case of a 66-year-old Caucasian woman with gradual onset of blurred vision in her right eye followed by her left eye. She had previously been diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma, and findings of funduscopic examinations were consistent with BDUMP. Metastatic examination revealed no evidence of liver involvement. Clinical and histopathological examinations of both enucleated eyes were consistent with BDUMP. RESULTS: The hematoxylin and eosin, S-100, and HMB-45 stains were consistent with metastatic malignant amelanotic melanoma to the skin. CONCLUSIONS: Although believed to have a low potential for metastasis, patients should be monitored and evaluated regularly to detect any new lesions not associated with their primary inciting carcinoma.

Published 2 October 2006 in Am J Ophthalmol, 142(4): 693-5.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Skin Cancer Research Today. All Rights Reserved.