Desmoplastic melanoma: Difference between revisions

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'''Desmoplastic melanoma''' is a rare type of [[melanoma]] that is often characterized by its fibrous, or desmoplastic, nature. It is a subtype of [[skin cancer]] that typically presents as a firm, skin-colored or lightly pigmented nodule or plaque.  
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Signs and Symptoms ==
| name            = Desmoplastic melanoma
Desmoplastic melanoma often presents as a firm, skin-colored or lightly pigmented nodule or plaque. It may be mistaken for a scar or other benign skin conditions due to its appearance. The lesion is typically found on chronically sun-damaged skin, particularly on the head and neck.
| image          = [[File:Skin_Tumors-045.jpg|alt=Desmoplastic melanoma]]
 
| caption        = Desmoplastic melanoma on the skin
== Causes ==
| field          = [[Dermatology]], [[Oncology]]
The exact cause of desmoplastic melanoma is unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from tanning beds. Other risk factors may include a history of [[melanoma]] or other skin cancers, a weakened immune system, and older age.
| symptoms        = [[Skin lesion]], [[nodule]], [[ulceration]]
 
| complications  = [[Metastasis]], [[local recurrence]]
| onset          = Typically in [[adulthood]]
| duration        = [[Chronic]]
| causes          = [[Ultraviolet radiation]], [[genetic mutations]]
| risks          = [[Sun exposure]], [[fair skin]], [[family history]]
| diagnosis      = [[Biopsy]], [[histopathology]]
| differential    = [[Scar]], [[neurofibroma]], [[sclerosing nevus]]
| treatment      = [[Surgical excision]], [[radiation therapy]], [[immunotherapy]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on stage and treatment
| frequency      = Rare, accounts for 1-4% of [[melanoma]] cases
}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Desmoplastic Melanoma}}
'''Desmoplastic melanoma''' is a rare subtype of [[melanoma]], a type of [[skin cancer]] that arises from the [[melanocytes]], the cells responsible for producing [[melanin]], the pigment that gives skin its color. This form of melanoma is characterized by a dense fibrous stroma, which can make it difficult to diagnose.
== Clinical Features ==
Desmoplastic melanoma often presents as a firm, non-pigmented nodule or plaque on the skin. It is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck region of older adults. Unlike other melanomas, desmoplastic melanoma may not exhibit the typical ABCDE characteristics (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolving nature) associated with melanoma.
== Pathology ==
The histological hallmark of desmoplastic melanoma is the presence of spindle-shaped melanocytes within a dense, fibrous stroma. This desmoplastic reaction can make the tumor appear similar to other fibrous tumors, complicating diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining is often used to differentiate desmoplastic melanoma from other lesions.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma is often challenging due to its unusual presentation. It is typically confirmed through a [[biopsy]], where a sample of the lesion is removed and examined under a microscope. Additional tests may be performed to determine the extent of the disease, such as a [[computed tomography (CT) scan]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]].
Diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma typically involves a combination of clinical examination, dermoscopy, and histopathological analysis. A biopsy is essential for confirming the diagnosis. Due to its atypical presentation, desmoplastic melanoma is often diagnosed at a later stage compared to other melanomas.
 
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for desmoplastic melanoma typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, [[radiation therapy]] or [[chemotherapy]] may be used. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.
The primary treatment for desmoplastic melanoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Due to its propensity for local recurrence, wide local excision is often recommended. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be considered, although the likelihood of lymphatic spread is lower compared to other melanoma subtypes. Adjuvant therapies, such as radiation or immunotherapy, may be considered in certain cases.
 
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for desmoplastic melanoma varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.
The prognosis for desmoplastic melanoma can vary. While it has a lower rate of lymphatic spread, it is more likely to recur locally. Early detection and complete surgical excision are critical for improving outcomes.
 
== See also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Melanoma]]
* [[Melanoma]]
* [[Skin Cancer]]
* [[Skin cancer]]
* [[Biopsy]]
* [[Melanocytes]]
* [[Radiation Therapy]]
* [[Immunohistochemistry]]
* [[Chemotherapy]]
 
[[Category:Skin Cancer]]
[[Category:Melanoma]]
[[Category:Melanoma]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 18:15, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Desmoplastic melanoma
Desmoplastic melanoma
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Skin lesion, nodule, ulceration
Complications Metastasis, local recurrence
Onset Typically in adulthood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Ultraviolet radiation, genetic mutations
Risks Sun exposure, fair skin, family history
Diagnosis Biopsy, histopathology
Differential diagnosis Scar, neurofibroma, sclerosing nevus
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgical excision, radiation therapy, immunotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depends on stage and treatment
Frequency Rare, accounts for 1-4% of melanoma cases
Deaths N/A


Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma, a type of skin cancer that arises from the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This form of melanoma is characterized by a dense fibrous stroma, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Clinical Features[edit]

Desmoplastic melanoma often presents as a firm, non-pigmented nodule or plaque on the skin. It is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck region of older adults. Unlike other melanomas, desmoplastic melanoma may not exhibit the typical ABCDE characteristics (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolving nature) associated with melanoma.

Pathology[edit]

The histological hallmark of desmoplastic melanoma is the presence of spindle-shaped melanocytes within a dense, fibrous stroma. This desmoplastic reaction can make the tumor appear similar to other fibrous tumors, complicating diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining is often used to differentiate desmoplastic melanoma from other lesions.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma typically involves a combination of clinical examination, dermoscopy, and histopathological analysis. A biopsy is essential for confirming the diagnosis. Due to its atypical presentation, desmoplastic melanoma is often diagnosed at a later stage compared to other melanomas.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for desmoplastic melanoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Due to its propensity for local recurrence, wide local excision is often recommended. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be considered, although the likelihood of lymphatic spread is lower compared to other melanoma subtypes. Adjuvant therapies, such as radiation or immunotherapy, may be considered in certain cases.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for desmoplastic melanoma can vary. While it has a lower rate of lymphatic spread, it is more likely to recur locally. Early detection and complete surgical excision are critical for improving outcomes.

See also[edit]