I saw two patients last week with amelanotic melanoma - a melanoma with very little melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color - the darker the skin - the more melanin. Usually we think of melanoma as being black or brown. Amelanotic melanoma is red or pink and is often difficult to detect on skin exam. Here is an example of an amelanotic melanoma:
Studies have shown that amelanotic melanoma is rare - it represents 1.8% to 8.1% of cutaneous malignant melanoma.
When I see an amelanotic melanoma I am often reminded of a basal cell carcinoma - clinically they both appear to be almost translucent, shiny and pink or red.
Fortunately for my two patients with amelanotic melanoma, the cancer was discovered at an early stage. I'm glad I did a biopsy. Now you know what to look for...
About Me
- John Hendrix, MD
- John Hendrix, MD has over 17 years experience diagnosing and treating skin cancers. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.