Localized melanosis in an immunocompromised patient with local metastatic melanoma

Dermatol Surg. 2002 Mar;28(3):241-3. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01139.x.

Abstract

Background: Melanosis is a rare, but well recognized late complication of some cases of metastatic melanoma. The precise pathogenesis is unclear. Most described cases report diffuse metastases and diffuse melanosis.

Objective: To present a case of localized melanosis secondary to locally metastatic melanoma without evidence of systemic involvement in a renal transplant patient.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Results: We describe a case of localized melanosis in an immunocompromised patient without evidence of systemic metastases. The patient underwent limb perfusion and her immunosuppressive therapy has been stopped. The melanosis has not regressed; however, there has been no systemic involvement and her transplanted kidney is still functioning well.

Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first report of this phenomenon in an immunocompromised host.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Melanoma / complications
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanosis / immunology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*