Metastatic malignant melanoma involving the parotid lymph node region: a clinicopathologic report of 5 cases

Malignant melanoma of parotid gland in a child-our unique experience

Malignant melanoma (MM) of parotid gland is a rare condition. This pathology is often a result of secondary metastasis from primary lesions in the head and neck skin. A MM arising de novo in parotid gland is very rare. This malignant tumour is more prevalent in adults rather than children and it tends to have several distinct features. Treatment options are limited especially for an advanced lesion. Despite best treatments this condition carries a poor prognosis. This case details our experience in treating a child with MM of parotid gland without other primary cutaneous lesions.

Parotid metastasis of an amelanotic melanoma of the scalp: The great masquerader

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous melanoma is often characterized by its pigmented appearance; however, up to 8.1% of such lesions contain little or no pigmentation. Amelanotic melanomas, lesions devoid of visible pigment, present a diagnostic quandary because they can masquerade as many other skin pathologies. Recognizing amelanotic melanoma is even more clinically challenging when it is first detected as a metastasis to the secondary tissue.

METHODS

We report a rare case of metastasis of an amelanotic melanoma to the parotid gland.

RESULTS

A 75-year-old man presented with an 8-month history of a painless, mobile, hardened mass in the right parotid region. Histopathological analysis of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the parotid mass indicated that the mass was melanoma. Careful clinical and radiological examination revealed an 8 mm erythematous papule in the right temporal scalp, initially diagnosed by visual examination as basal cell carcinoma. After right superficial parotidectomy, neck dissection, and excision of the temporal scalp lesion, histological examination revealed the scalp lesion to be amelanotic melanoma.

CONCLUSION

Although metastatic amelanotic melanoma to the parotid gland is a rare diagnosis, the clinician should be familiar with this presentation to increase the likelihood of making the correct diagnosis and delivering prompt treatment.