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Updated: Sep 30, 2025
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
[Plantar melanoma: A wolf in sheep's clothing]
Ines Bertlich1, Alexander Enk1, Ferdinand Toberer1
1Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg.
Background And Findings:
Amelanotic melanoma (AM) is a subtype of melanoma characterized by a diminished or lacking melanin synthesis. AM, especially ulcerated variants of the plantar region (AMP), are often clinically misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment initiation.
Therapy And Further Development:
We present a case series of 4 AMP and give a detailed overview about clinical features and the subsequent medical history of this severe disease.
Conclusions:
AMP shows a variety of clinical presentations and particularly elderly patients with many accompanying medical conditions are in danger of incorrect clinical diagnoses. Therefore, we recommend to biopsy any amelanotic plantar ulcer or tumor that does not respond to treatment within 6 weeks to rule out AM.
Insights
Amelanotic melanoma (AM), particularly on the plantar foot (AMP), is often misdiagnosed. Early biopsy of non-healing plantar lesions is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of this severe melanoma subtype.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Amelanotic melanoma (AM) lacks melanin, complicating diagnosis.
- Plantar AM (AMP) is frequently misdiagnosed, delaying treatment.
Observation:
- Presents a case series of 4 patients with AMP.
- Details clinical features and medical history of AMP.
Findings:
- AMP exhibits diverse clinical presentations.
- Elderly patients with comorbidities are at higher risk for misdiagnosis.
Implications:
- Recommends biopsy for amelanotic plantar ulcers/tumors unresponsive to treatment within 6 weeks.
- Emphasizes ruling out AM to prevent delayed therapeutic intervention.
