Sinonasal amelanotic malignant melanoma : a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract EN

Malignant melanoma involving mucosal surface of the head and neck region is rare.

Malignant melanoma involving the nasal cavity is even rarer and accounts for less than 1% of cases.

Prognosis is generally poor with unpredictable outcome.

Regional and distant metastasis is common at presentation.

We present a case of a 60 year old female who presented with polypoidal mass in the left nasal cavity and occasional history of nasal bleed.

Endoscopic excision of the mass was done with a clinical diagnosis of inverted papilloma.

Microscopic examination of the lesion was suggestive of amelanotic malignant melanoma and was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

She subsequently received chemotherapy and radiotherapy.