Polypoid melanoma: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:09, 15 February 2025

A subtype of melanoma characterized by polypoid growth

Polypoid melanoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma, a form of skin cancer that arises from the pigment-producing melanocytes. This variant is distinguished by its polypoid or nodular growth pattern, which can lead to a more rapid progression compared to other forms of melanoma.

Pathophysiology

Polypoid melanoma is characterized by its unique growth pattern, where the tumor forms a protruding mass above the skin surface. This is due to the vertical growth phase of the melanoma cells, which proliferate rapidly and invade deeper into the dermis. The polypoid structure is often associated with a higher mitotic rate and increased potential for metastasis.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with polypoid melanoma typically present with a rapidly growing, dome-shaped lesion that may be pigmented or amelanotic. These lesions are often larger than other types of melanoma at the time of diagnosis and may ulcerate or bleed. Due to their aggressive nature, early detection and treatment are crucial.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of polypoid melanoma is primarily based on biopsy and histopathological examination. The biopsy will reveal a nodular growth pattern with a high density of atypical melanocytes. Immunohistochemical staining can aid in confirming the diagnosis by highlighting melanoma-specific markers such as S-100 protein, HMB-45, and Melan-A.

Treatment

The primary treatment for polypoid melanoma is surgical excision with wide margins to ensure complete removal of the tumor. Due to the aggressive nature of this melanoma subtype, additional treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy may be considered, especially in cases where there is evidence of metastasis.

Prognosis

The prognosis for polypoid melanoma is generally poorer than for other types of melanoma due to its rapid growth and higher likelihood of metastasis. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving outcomes. Regular follow-up and monitoring for recurrence or spread are essential components of patient management.

Related pages

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-{{Infobox medical condition (new)
+{{Short description|A subtype of melanoma characterized by polypoid growth}}
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+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
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+'''Polypoid melanoma''' is a rare and aggressive subtype of [[melanoma]], a form of [[skin cancer]] that arises from the pigment-producing [[melanocytes]]. This variant is distinguished by its polypoid or nodular growth pattern, which can lead to a more rapid progression compared to other forms of melanoma.
-| image_size      =
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+==Pathophysiology==
-| caption         =
+Polypoid melanoma is characterized by its unique growth pattern, where the tumor forms a protruding mass above the skin surface. This is due to the vertical growth phase of the melanoma cells, which proliferate rapidly and invade deeper into the [[dermis]]. The polypoid structure is often associated with a higher mitotic rate and increased potential for [[metastasis]].
-| pronounce       =
-| specialty       = dermatology/oncology
+==Clinical Presentation==
-| symptoms        =
+[[File:Melanoma6.jpg|thumb|right|Polypoid melanoma on the skin]]
-| complications   =
+Patients with polypoid melanoma typically present with a rapidly growing, dome-shaped lesion that may be pigmented or amelanotic. These lesions are often larger than other types of melanoma at the time of diagnosis and may ulcerate or bleed. Due to their aggressive nature, early detection and treatment are crucial.
-| onset           =
-| duration        =
+==Diagnosis==
-| types           =
+The diagnosis of polypoid melanoma is primarily based on [[biopsy]] and histopathological examination. The biopsy will reveal a nodular growth pattern with a high density of atypical melanocytes. Immunohistochemical staining can aid in confirming the diagnosis by highlighting melanoma-specific markers such as [[S-100 protein]], [[HMB-45]], and [[Melan-A]].
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-}}
-'''Polypoid melanoma''' is a rare cutaneous condition, a virulent variant of [[nodular melanoma]].<ref name="Andrews">{{cite book |author1=James, William D. |author2=Berger, Timothy G. |title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology |publisher=Saunders Elsevier |location= |year=2006 |pages= |isbn=978-0-7216-2921-6 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=|display-authors=etal}}</ref>{{rp|696}}Polypoid melanoma is a subtype of nodular melanoma, the most aggressive form of melanoma (a skin cancer).
-Polypoid melanoma, like all types of melanoma, starts in the cells that make melanin, which is the protective pigment that gives skin color. Polypoid melanoma is most commonly found on the torso but may be found in unexpected places like the nasal mucous membranes and the rectum. Sometimes polypoid melanoma may develop on moles on your skin, but it usually occurs out of nowhere on normal skin. Polypoid melanoma can be treated if it's diagnosed early, but the disease progresses very rapidly and has a worse prognosis than many other types of melanoma.
 ==Treatment==
-Therapies for metastatic melanoma include the biologic immunotherapy agents ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab; BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib; and a MEK inhibitor trametinib.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Maverakis E, Cornelius LA, Bowen GM, Phan T, Patel FB, Fitzmaurice S, He Y, Burrall B, Duong C, Kloxin AM, Sultani H, Wilken R, Martinez SR, Patel F | title = Metastatic melanoma - a review of current and future treatment options | journal = Acta Derm Venereol | volume = 95 | issue = 5 | pages = 516–524 | year = 2015 | pmid = 25520039 | doi = 10.2340/00015555-2035| url = http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4849&context=open_access_pubs }}</ref>
+The primary treatment for polypoid melanoma is surgical excision with wide margins to ensure complete removal of the tumor. Due to the aggressive nature of this melanoma subtype, additional treatments such as [[immunotherapy]], [[targeted therapy]], or [[chemotherapy]] may be considered, especially in cases where there is evidence of metastasis.
-== See also ==
+==Prognosis==
+The prognosis for polypoid melanoma is generally poorer than for other types of melanoma due to its rapid growth and higher likelihood of metastasis. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving outcomes. Regular follow-up and monitoring for recurrence or spread are essential components of patient management.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Melanoma]]
-* [[List of cutaneous conditions]]
+* [[Skin cancer]]
+* [[Dermatology]]
+* [[Oncology]]
-== References ==
-{{reflist}}
-{{Medicine}}
 [[Category:Melanoma]]
+[[Category:Dermatology]]
+[[Category:Oncology]]
-{{Cutaneous-condition-stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}