Malignant melanoma and levodopa.
A patient with Parkinson's disease developed a malignant melanoma within a congenital nevus after starting levodopa therapy. Levodopa has a central role in the metabolism of the melanocyte but data do not permit the conclusion that it promotes the development of malignant melanoma. However, patients receiving levodopa should be monitored for skin changes suggestive of melanoma.
D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000473:pathology*; D009506:Nevus / Q000151:congenital; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D008543:Melanins; D007980:Levodopa