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"Connective tissue nevus" and a serendipitous S-100 discovery
1Department of Morphologic and Forensic Sciences, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy. cesinaro.a@policlinico.mo.it
Insights
Desmoplastic melanoma, typically a nodule on elderly heads, can appear unusually. This case highlights its varied presentation, even mimicking connective tissue nevi.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Desmoplastic melanoma classically presents as an indurated nodule on the head in elderly individuals.
- Histologically, it involves atypical intraepidermal melanocytic lesions with dermal spindled cells and lymphoid infiltrates.
Observation:
- This report details a case of desmoplastic melanoma with atypical clinical and histologic features.
- The initial presentation was misdiagnosed as a connective tissue nevus.
Findings:
- The case underscores the diverse clinical and pathological spectrum of desmoplastic melanoma.
- Unusual presentations can lead to initial misdiagnosis.
Implications:
- Recognizing the varied guises of desmoplastic melanoma is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- This case emphasizes the importance of considering desmoplastic melanoma in differential diagnoses, even with atypical features.
Abstract:
Although desmoplastic melanoma is classically described as an indurated nodule on the head of an elderly patient associated with the histologic changes of an atypical intraepidermal melanocytic lesion accompanied by abnormal dermal spindled cells and rounded lymphoid infiltrates, it is capable of presenting in a variety of clinical and pathologic guises. Herein, a case with unusual clinical and histologic attributes is reported, which was initially misdiagnosed as a connective tissue nevus.
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