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Updated: Aug 2, 2025

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
A Disguising Fast-Growing Metachronous Melanoma and COVID-19
Alina Avram1, Lucian G Scurtu1, Mariana Costache2
1Department of Dermatology I, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, ROU.
Abstract:
An unusual case of a 52-year-old female with two metachronous melanomas is presented. An atypical fast-growing nodular melanoma appeared 18 months after the complete excision of an in situ melanoma and one month afterward a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intra-nodal melanocytic proliferations were identified during lymph node assessment, raising important diagnostic and prognostic concerns. No melanoma susceptibility genes were found. This case report raises the question about the COVID-19 immunosuppression effect on the tumor microenvironment and the oncogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2. It also highlights the importance of clinical follow-up in melanoma patients, which was significantly delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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