A large superficial spreading melanoma with a secondary growth of fast-growing nodular melanoma: a case report from Syria

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a cancer of melanocytes that has a poor prognosis and can metastasize to any organ. Presentation of case: Here, we report a unique case of a 59-year-old Syrian male with a nodular melanoma (NM) that grew and varied rapidly on a large superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), which was a pigmented lesion that lasted for 24 years on his trunk. The lesion developed on a part of his body that had not been exposed to the sun or any artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation. His personal and family history of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer were negative. The histopathologic evaluation, along with the immunohistochemistry examination, confirmed the diagnosis. Clinical discussion: SSM and NM are the most common subtypes of CM. NM has a more rapid growth rate and more aggression compared to SSM, and it tends to be more invasive, ulcerated, and fatal than SSM. Conclusion: Despite the advanced stage of the NM and the large size of the lesion, no metastasis or lymphadenopathy had been found during the patient’s follow-up.