Pigmented streaks in melanoma scars

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Melanoma surgical scars can exhibit various post-operative changes.
• Pigmented streaks in scars are an infrequently reported phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and nature of transverse pigmented streaks in melanoma surgical scars.
• To determine the long-term clinical significance of these pigmented streaks.

Main Methods:

• Prospective examination of 50 consecutive melanoma patients for pigmented streaks in surgical scars.
• Long-term follow-up of patients with streaks (mean 81.7 months).
• Histologic examination of a representative pigmented streak.

Main Results:

• 68% of melanoma patients had pigmented streaks in their surgical scars.
• 10 patients also had streaks in non-melanoma scars.
• Histology revealed basal layer hyperpigmentation without melanocytic hyperplasia; streaks are benign.

Conclusions:

• Transverse pigmented streaks are a common, benign finding in melanoma surgical scars.
• These streaks do not appear to be associated with melanoma recurrence.
• The presence of freckles may be coincidentally associated with these streaks.