Cutaneous manifestations associated with melanoma

Semin Oncol. 2016 Jun;43(3):384-9. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2016.02.031. Epub 2016 Feb 23.

Abstract

Melanoma is a malignancy most commonly arising from the skin; therefore, primary melanoma characteristics are usually the first cutaneous manifestations of melanoma. Cutaneous metastases, which can occur locally or diffusely, are important to detect in a timely manner as treatments for advanced melanoma that impact survival are now available. Melanoma can be associated with local or diffuse pigmentation changes, including depigmentation associated with the leukodermas and hyperpigmentation associated with diffuse melanosis cutis. The leukodermas occur frequently, illustrate the immunogenic nature of melanoma, and may impact prognosis. Paraneoplastic syndromes in association with melanoma are rare, though can occur.

Keywords: Cutaneous metastatic melanoma; Diffuse cutaneous melanosis; Leukoderma; Melanoma.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / etiology
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology
  • Melanoma / complications
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes
  • Pemphigus / etiology
  • Pemphigus / pathology
  • Pigmentation Disorders / etiology
  • Pigmentation Disorders / pathology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / etiology
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / pathology