"Connective tissue nevus" and a serendipitous S-100 discovery

Anna M Cesinaro1

  • 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.

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