Incidental malignant melanoma: clinical and pathological characteristics

Background. The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is rising worldwide and so is its morbidity and mortality. We define the term incidental malignant melanoma (IMM) to describe a lesion referred to surgical treatment with clinical diagnosis other than melanoma or dysplastic nevus. Objectives. The goal of this study is to assess incidence and characteristics of incidental melanomas, to explore the reasons for such a diagnosis failure and possible ways of preventing it. Methods. This is a retrospective study of 173 skin lesions diagnosed as CMM in 1996-2004. 28 lesions were IMM (16.2%). Results. IMMs were strongly associated with high Breslow and Clark level and community clinic versus hospital setting as the primary diagnosing site. Conclusions. We found a high percent of IMM in our patient population. This group of high-risk patients is prone to delayed definitive treatment and possible worse prognosis. In view of acute increase in CMM incidence a higher suspicion attitude of not only pigmented skin lesions should be implemented especially in community services. Keywords: misdiagnosed melanoma | incidental malignant melanoma | cutaneous MM | BCC | SCC
Introduction The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is rising worldwide and so is the morbidity and mortality. CMM constitutes approximately 11% of all skin cancers [1] but it is [...]