Amelanotic nodular melanoma on scalp as a differential diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma: case report and literature review




Lilia Argüello-Guerra, Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Sedna, Ciudad de México, México
Luis E. Cano-Aguilar, Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, México
Juan O. Colmenero-Mercado, Servicio de Dermatopatología, Consulta privada, Hospital Ángeles Universidad, Ciudad de México, México


Scalp Melanoma is a cutaneous neoplasm that frequently occurs in men over 60 years-old, its associated with less hair density, plus accumulative sun exposure. This localization is an independent factor of poor prognosis, related to higher local recurrence and less survival. This variant shows a vertical growth pattern and an increased risk of regional and distant metastases due to the scalp’s own lymphatic and blood drainage pattern. When it presents as amelanotic melanoma, it represents a rate of clinical misdiagnosis close to 89%.



Keywords: Melanoma. Amelanotic melanoma. Scalp melanoma. Breslow’s index. Skin cancer.