Malignant melanoma in a homosexual man with HTLV-III/LAV exposure

An HTLV-III/LAV antibody-positive homosexual man in whom disseminated malignant melanoma developed is described. Immunologic analysis revealed an increase in suppressor/cytotoxic phenotype (Leu-2-positive) T cells, depressed proliferative response to mitogens, decreased proportions of T cells with interleukin-2 receptors but normal production of both interleukin-2 and interleukin-1, cutaneous anergy, elevated levels of serum IgG and IgA, and presence of autoantibodies against smooth muscle and parietal cells of the stomach. This case stresses the need for reporting all types of neoplasms associated with exposure to HTLV-III/LAV so that their true incidence in the population "at risk" for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome can be determined.