Related Experiment Videos
Recurrent malignant melanoma presenting with zosteriform metastases
S North1, J R Mackey, J Jensen
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Cutis
|October 14, 1998
Summary
Malignant melanoma can mimic herpes zoster, presenting as painful, dermatomal skin lesions. This rare zosteriform presentation is likely due to lymphatic spread, and physicians should consider melanoma in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is a significant health concern with potential for metastasis.
- Herpes zoster (shingles) characteristically presents with a unilateral, dermatomal rash.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male with metastatic malignant melanoma developed a painful rash in a thoracic dermatome.
- The eruption, initially suspected as herpes zoster, was later confirmed as melanoma skin metastases.
- Lesions were exclusively confined to the affected dermatome.
Findings:
- The zosteriform pattern of skin metastases was attributed to lymphatic spread from a prior excision site.
- This represents the second reported instance of malignant melanoma manifesting as zosteriform metastases.
- Radiotherapy and analgesics effectively managed the patient's pain.
Implications:
- Physicians should include melanoma metastasis in the differential diagnosis for dermatomal skin changes, especially in patients with a history of melanoma.
- Recognizing this rare presentation can prevent diagnostic delays and ensure timely, appropriate treatment.
- Further awareness may improve the diagnostic accuracy for unusual melanoma metastasis patterns.