Primary Dermal Melanoma: A Rare Clinicopathological Variant Mimicking Metastatic Melanoma

Oriana Simonetti; Elisa Molinelli; Valerio Brisigotti; Donatella Brancorsini; Davide Talevi; Annamaria Offidani

doi:10.3390/dermatopathology8010005

Primary Dermal Melanoma: A Rare Clinicopathological Variant Mimicking Metastatic Melanoma

Dermatopathology (Basel). 2021 Feb 1;8(1):29-32. doi: 10.3390/dermatopathology8010005.

Authors

Oriana Simonetti¹, Elisa Molinelli¹, Valerio Brisigotti¹, Donatella Brancorsini², Davide Talevi³, Annamaria Offidani¹

Affiliations

¹ Dermatological Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic Marche University, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
² Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology, Polytechnic University Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
³ Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic Marche University, 60126 Ancona, Italy.

Abstract

Primary dermal melanoma (PDM) is a rare distinct variant of cutaneous melanoma, predominantly occurring on the extremities of young or middle-aged adults. In comparison to conventional melanoma, PDM is characterized by unexpectedly prolonged survival and long-term survival. Thus, correct identification of this variant is crucial to avoid potential misdiagnosis and establish correct treatment and follow-up. In addition, no consensus and specific guidelines exist on the management of this peculiar subtype of cutaneous melanoma.

Keywords: cutaneous melanoma; cutaneous metastatic melanoma; dermal melanoma; histopathologic diagnosis; primary dermal melanoma; prognosis.

Publication types

Case Reports