Extensive tumoral melanosis associated with ipilimumab-treated melanoma

Br J Dermatol. 2016 Aug;175(2):391-3. doi: 10.1111/bjd.14474. Epub 2016 Mar 18.

Abstract

Tumoral melanosis describes a pigmented lesion clinically similar to melanoma but on histology reveals dense aggregates of melanin-laden, benign macrophages without malignant cells. In the few reported cases so far, tumoral melanosis has arisen in the skin or lymph node of a patient with a regressed melanoma or an epithelioid tumour. As a marker of regressed primary melanoma, its discovery may prompt investigation and surveillance for undiagnosed local or metastatic disease. Here, we present a unique case of extensive tumoral melanosis arising during ipilimumab treatment of in-transit metastases from a previously excised melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Ipilimumab
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Melanosis / diagnosis*
  • Melanosis / drug therapy
  • Melanosis / surgery
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Reoperation
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ipilimumab