The value of tan lines: vulvar melanoma and ultraviolet rays

Amelanotic vulvar melanoma: a case report

A 14-year-old girl stated that she has vulvar pruritus, pain, and bleeding and underwent a complete gynecological evaluation during which a suspicious 2-cm achromic lesion on her vulva was observed. Initially, it was suspected to be a pyogenic granuloma, in relation to the patient's age. A biopsy was taken, and a histopathological diagnosis of amelanotic mucosal melanoma was made. Pyogenic granuloma is a reactive hyperproliferation vascular response to trauma or other stimuli. It predominantly occurs in the second decade of life in young females, in relation to the vascular effects of female hormones. Primary mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, characterized by a higher aggressiveness and a worse prognosis than her cutaneous counterpart. The female genital tract is the second most common site of onset of mucosal melanoma; it represents the 3% of melanomas diagnosed in women.

Vulvar melanoma: a report of 10 cases and review of the literature

Despite its low incidence, vulvar melanoma carries a poor prognosis and shows a high tendency to metastasize because the diagnosis is often delayed. Although it is very well known that ultraviolet radiation is an important aetiological factor for cutaneous melanomas in adults, this cannot be considered true for vulvar melanoma. Chronic inflammatory disease, viral infections, irritant agents are the main factors suspected to induce mucosal melanoma. We report 10 cases of vulvar malignant melanoma observed in our institute from 1990 to 2005 and a review of the literature.

Vulvar melanoma: a report of 20 cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Vulvar melanoma is the second most common vulvar malignancy and represents a significant women's health issue.

OBJECTIVE

To report experience with 21 cases of vulvar melanoma in 20 patients and to review the literature about the condition.

METHODS

Parameters retrospectively reviewed included age at diagnosis, family history of melanoma, location on the vulva, atypical nevi, Breslow depth, ulceration status, histologic pattern, presenting signs and symptoms, and the results of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Molecular characterization of the melanocortin type 1 receptor was performed in 1 patient.

RESULTS

A family history of cutaneous melanoma was present in 15% of cases. The mean Breslow depth was 2.8 mm (range, 0.0-11.0 mm). Ten patients successfully underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, results of which were positive in 2 (20%). Reported for the first time is that one patient had a germline mutation in the melanocortin type 1 receptor.

CONCLUSION

Vulvar and cutaneous melanoma behave similarly despite their unique pathogeneses. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be performed successfully for vulvar melanoma.