A clinicopathologic study of melanocytic neoplasms

Abstract

Background and objectives This study reports baseline information about melanocytic neoplasms in TUTH. The objective was to study the histological spectrum of melanocytic nevi and melanoma, and to make a clinicohistopathological correlation. Methods 50 consecutive cases of melanocytic neoplasms were studied from December 2010 to December 2011. Results Of the 50 cases, 12 (24%) were malignant melanoma and 38 (76%) were melanocytic nevi. Cutaneous melanocytic nevi was the most common, 30/38 (79%), followed by 8/38 (21%) conjunctival nevi. Head and neck was the most common site (25/38) and the mean age at presentation was 32.66+16.19 years, the female to male ratio being 5.3:1. In melanoma, 4 (33%) were extracutaneous, of the cutaneous, 2 (17%) were acral lentiginous, and 6 (50%) were nodular. Mean age was 50+16.99 years with an equal female to male ratio. The most common site was the extremities (6/8) in cutaneous lesions and choroid in extracutaneous (2/4) lesions. Concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnosis was found in 30/50 (60%) cases. Conclusion Melanocytic nevi are quite common in females. Melanoma is rare, affecting men and women equally. In our context, melanoma likely represents a sporadic disorder. Difference from the western societies is the common occurrence of nodular melanoma here and the topographical distribution.