Atypical moles in a patient undergoing chemotherapy with oral 5-fluorouracil prodrug

Br J Dermatol. 2004 Sep;151(3):698-700. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06149.x.

Abstract

We present a patient with multiple pigmented lesions on the palms, soles, oral mucosa and nails after chemotherapy with oral 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) prodrug. Dermoscopically, most of the macules showed similar features, with pigmentation present predominantly on the crista superficialis, while a large, dark macule also showed pigmentation along the sulcus superficialis with irregular hyperpigmentation and depigmentation, suggesting malignancy. However, histologically, both types of lesion showed basal hyperpigmentation and the presence of a small number of large atypical melanocytes. We diagnosed these lesions as pigment flecks induced by 5-FU, and the pigmented lesions gradually diminished after the cessation of chemotherapy. Our findings suggested that immunosuppression and 5-FU led to the development of the atypical pigmented lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / chemically induced*
  • Hyperpigmentation / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Prodrugs / adverse effects*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Prodrugs
  • Fluorouracil