Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Case report of a primary subcutaneous melanoma; a surprising entity for a subcutaneous nodule
E Jutten1, M F Lutke Holzik2, A Baidoshvili3
1University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Hospital Group Twente, Zilvermeeuw 1, 7609 PP Almelo, the Netherlands.
Introduction:
A melanoma can originate at the subcutis without any visible skin lesion.
Case Presentation:
A 73-year old patient came to the outpatient clinic with a subcutaneous nodule on the right thigh without any visible lesion of the skin. It turned out to be a primary subcutaneous melanoma that could be classified as a primary dermal melanoma (PDM).
Discussion:
A PDM is a very rare subtype of melanoma that stands out for its excellent prognosis in comparison to cutaneous melanomas. No valid reliable staging system or treatment guideline exists for this entity, Breslow depth might overestimate the clinical aggressiveness possibly leading to overtreatment.
Conclusion:
It is of great importance for the clinician to be familiar with a primary dermal melanoma. It deserves an appropriate place in the current AJCC system and a treatment guideline for this unique melanoma subtype with relativity excellent prognosis would be beneficial.
