seem to be part of dysplastic nevus syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum. Melanomas of the mucosal form are often diagnosed late due their hidden location ...
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Case Report
Cytodiagnosis of mucosal malignant melanoma of nasal cavity: A case report with review of literature ABSTRACT Sinonasal malignant melanoma is of unusual occurrence. Common sites for melanomas are head, neck region, and the lower extremities as they are exposed to sunlight, which is one of the predisposing factors. We report a case of primary mucosal malignant melanoma of the nasal cavity in a 68-year-old male for its rare occurrence. The primary knowledge of its existence and evaluation of its cytological features are important for a correct preoperative cytological diagnosis and thereby clinical implications for appropriate therapeutic intervention. The cytological features when evaluated along with clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features are sufficiently diagnostic. The rarity of its occurrence warrants its mention. Key words: Cytodiagnosis; mucosal melanoma; nasal cavity.
Introduction Melanomas are tumors arising from melanocytes, which are derived from neuroectoderm located in the basal layers of skin, skin annexes, and more rarely in the mucosal membrane. Common sites for melanomas are head, neck and the lower extremities, less common sites being the oral mucosa, nail beds, conjunctiva, orbit, esophagus, nasal mucosa or nasopharynx, vagina and leptomeninges. Sinonasal malignant melanoma is an extremely rare tumor, with primary mucosal melanoma being more aggressive than its cutaneous counterpart. It accounts for less than 1% of all western melanomas[1] and
