title: Alopecia neoplastica caused by desmoplastic melanoma.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.
authors: Kerry
authors: K
authors: Crotty
authors: William
authors: W
authors: McCarthy
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Quinn
authors: Stanley
authors: S
authors: McCarthy
mesh_terms: 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