Metastatic malignant melanoma with spontaneous and complete regression of the primary lesion. Case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous regression of malignant melanoma is characterized by a partial or complete disappearance of the neoplasm. Partial regression of melanoma has been documented in large series, but complete regression is reported as occurring only sporadically.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of metastatic malignant melanoma where the primary lesion underwent spontaneous and complete regression and to review the literature pertaining to regression of melanoma.


METHODS
The patient was examined clinically. Wide excision of the skin with the lesion was performed as well as left inguinal lymph node dissection.


RESULTS
Histologic examination of the lesion revealed complete regression of malignant melanoma. Examination of the lymph node dissected from the adjacent inguinal area revealed matastatic melanoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater attention should be devoted to identification of regression in melanoma, clinically and histologically, evaluating the prognostic implications which regression might indicate.
Shai
A
A
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soroka University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Avinoach
I
I
Sagi
A
A
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*