Desmoplastic melanoma

First described in 1971 by Conley and colleagues, desmoplastic melanomas represent less than 4% of cutaneous melanomas. It is a distinctive and uncommon variant characterized by a spindle cell fibrous tumor of collagen forming cells, isolated by dense fibrous matrix. Desmoplastic melanomas are frequently misdiagnosed, mainly due to their similarity to other fibrous neoplasms. A review of about 600 reported cases unexpectedly revealed the pigmented clinical presentation of a deep and fibrous nodule that is classically associated with a precursor lesion. The ability to recognise this lesion’s characteristics is very important, due to its recurrent behaviour and subsequent need for a specialized surgical approach.

Keywords: MELANOMA, NEOPLASM RECURRENCE, LOCAL, GP100 MELANOMA ANTIGEN, MELANOMA-SPECIFIC ANTIGENS