Amelanotic melanoma: current state of the problem

Amelatonic melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma. This is a difficult oncological diagnosis that requires increased doctor’s alertness, and the need for adequate diagnosis and treatment. The prevalence of amelatonic melanoma among other malignant neoplasms of the skin is about 2-8%. Such differences in the epidemiological data are attributable, on the one hand, to the difficulties in diagnosing this tumor, and on the other hand, to the incorrect use of the term “amelatonic melanoma" by patients with hypopigmented melanoma. Despite the absence of specific markers, the use of modern diagnostic methods makes it possible to detect cases of amelatonic melanoma and start antitumor treatment in a timely manner. In establishing an accurate diagnosis, an important role is played by the clinical experience of an oncologist or dermatovenereologist conducting the initial examination, his proficiency in dermatoscopy, which is one of the main methods for the primary diagnosis of malignant skin tumors. Also, the professionalism and readiness of the pathomorphological laboratory, its equipment with reagents that allow for appropriate immunohistochemical studies, in particular for Melan A, S-100, HMB-45, tyrosinase, are of great importance. Currently, there is a small number of scientific studies aimed at studying rare skin malignancies.

amelatonic melanoma, carcinogenesis, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, dermatoscopy