Nodular malignant melanoma in vulvar skin without pigmentation: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Polypoid nodule growing without apparent pigmentation on the vulvar skin usually reminds us of the diagnostic pitfall, which is commonly and mistakenly diagnosed as other types of tumors. Although there are several manifestations of amelanotic melanoma are known, these malignancies are usually pigmented because they are derived from melanocytes containing melanin. However, amelanotic melanomas are easily misdiagnosed or their diagnoses were commonly delayed due to lack of pigmentation. Therefore, a solitary polypoid nodule is worth noting and further reporting. Particularly, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the solitary polypoid nodule are rare in Asian patients.


CASE PRESENTATION
We presented an interesting case of a 33-year-old female with a solitary polypoid nodule without apparent pigmentation on her vulvar skin. Her medical history was unclear, no ulcer was seen in the lesion area, and dermatoscopy was indicated a possible tumorous change, which has caught the attention of clinicians, and then further examined by the pathologist. The final diagnosis was nodular malignant melanoma (NM) (Breslow thickness 9.5mm, Clark level 4).


CONCLUSIONS
Hence, though reviewing this case record, the relevant literature and NM-related materials, we suggest that the combination of skin imaging technology and histopathological examination could provide us a better understanding and reduce the possibility of misdiagnosis in clinic practice.
['Nie|Jing|J|0000-0002-2649-2758', 'Li|Yan|Y|', 'Shen|Xue|X|', 'Liu|Yan|Y|', 'Shi|Haipeng|H|', 'Lu|Yonghong|Y|']
D000328:Adult D005260:Female D006801:Humans D018328:Melanoma, Amelanotic D010858:Pigmentation D011127:Polyps D012878:Skin Neoplasms
Histopathology China Dermoscopy Nodular melanoma Polypoid melanoma