Primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the parotid gland: a case report

J Int Med Res. 2008 Nov-Dec;36(6):1435-9. doi: 10.1177/147323000803600633.

Abstract

Amelanotic malignant melanoma in the oral region is extremely rare and has not previously been reported in the parotid gland. This present case report describes an amelanotic malignant melanoma in the parotid gland, with no other primary lesion detectable. The medical history, pathology and immunohistochemical analysis of the case are described and the relevant literature is reviewed in order to help in the recognition of this uncommon tumour. Amelanotic malignant melanoma is a melanoma subtype with little or no pigmentation and, because of this lack of pigmentation and its wide-ranging clinical appearance, it often defies clinical diagnosis. A high level of vigilance is, therefore, necessary in diagnosing such a tumour in the parotid gland. Where it is suspected, positive expression of S-100 protein and human melanoma black 45(HMB45) using immunohistochemical analysis can be considered reliable methods of confirming diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Male
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / chemistry
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / secondary*
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / surgery
  • Melanoma-Specific Antigens
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Parotid Gland / chemistry
  • Parotid Gland / pathology*
  • Parotid Gland / surgery
  • Parotid Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / surgery
  • S100 Proteins / analysis

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Melanoma-Specific Antigens
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • S100 Proteins