Alopecia neoplastica caused by desmoplastic melanoma.
A 50-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of localized alopecia on the left frontal area of the scalp. Biopsy revealed desmoplastic melanoma with associated neurotropism. Wide excision was performed and showed desmoplastic melanoma extending to excision margins. Hair follicles were focally reduced in number and were infiltrated by melanoma cells. He has subsequently required multiple wide excisions, exenteration of the left eye and radiotherapy. He has had multiple recurrences and has developed involvement of the first division of the trigeminal nerve intracranially. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of desmoplastic melanoma presenting as alopecia.
Crotty
Kerry
K
Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.
McCarthy
William
W
Quinn
Michael
M
McCarthy
Stanley
S
D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery