title: Malignant melanoma transformation within a nevus of Ito.
abstract: The mongolian spot, nevus of Ota, and nevus of Ito are the most common morphologic forms of the dermal melanocytoses, a group of benign pigmented lesions histologically characterized by the presence of melanocytes within the dermis. Nevus of Ito is clinically distinct, presenting with unilateral, bluish gray, patchy discolorations in the skin within the distributions of the posterior supraclavicular and lateral cutaneous brachial nerves. Although all dermal melanocytoses are generally considered benign, rare cases of malignant transformation associated with nevus of Ota have been described. Only one case of malignant melanoma transformation in association with nevus of Ito has previously been reported. We present the second description of malignant melanoma transformation within a nevus of Ito and provide comment on the malignant potential of the dermal melanocytoses.
authors.affiliation: Otolaryngology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Dr, Suite 5, San Diego, CA 92134, USA. srwise@earthlink.net
authors.forename: Sean R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Capra
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery