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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma-like pigmented cutaneous metastases from breast carcinoma
R A Micallef1, M J Boffa, J DeGaetano
1Departments of Oncology and Dermatology, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, Floriana, Malta. rachel_micallef@excite.com
Abstract:
We report a case of breast carcinoma that presented with pigmented cutaneous metastases clinically mimicking malignant melanoma. The pigmented nature of the tumour was probably caused by melanin release from the damaged epidermis (following invasion and destruction by tumour cells) and subsequent phagocytosis by melanophages. Clinically visible pigmentation in cutaneous metastases from breast carcinoma has been described previously but is very uncommon. This report is followed by a review of the few such cases published in the literature.
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