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Case Reports
. 2022 Jul 13:15:1325-1331.
doi: 10.2147/CCID.S361793. eCollection 2022.

Clinical, Dermoscopic and Microscopic Features of a "Collision Tumour" Ultimately Confirmed as a Regressing Melanoma - Lessons Learnt from a Chance Diagnosis

Lawrence Chukwudi Nwabudike  1 , Ana Maria Oproiu  2   3 , Ioana Mihaela Dogaru #  2   3 , Mariana Costache #  3   4 , Alin Laurentiu Tatu  5   6   7
Affiliations
Case Reports

Clinical, Dermoscopic and Microscopic Features of a "Collision Tumour" Ultimately Confirmed as a Regressing Melanoma - Lessons Learnt from a Chance Diagnosis

Lawrence Chukwudi Nwabudike et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. .

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of malignant melanoma was first reported over a century ago. Clinically, areas of blue or grey colouration in lesions may be indicative of regression. Dermoscopy is a very useful tool for diagnosing regression. An important criterion is the blue-white scar. About 10-35% of excised melanomas show features of regression histopathologically. We present a case of regressing melanoma, with clinical and dermoscopic features suggesting a collision tumour, diagnosed histopathologically. This case might improve our knowledge of the potential clinical manifestations, and the biology, of regressing melanoma.

Keywords: blue-white scar; collision lesion; milia-like cysts; pepper-like granules; pseudofollicular openings; regressing melanoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Polymorphous plaque, with flatter depigmented area and slightly raised pigmented area on the left side of the neck, suggesting melanoma or collision lesion.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) Dermoscopy showing abrupt cut-off between areas of stronger and milder pigmentation. Blue-whitish veil, peppering, multicomponent pattern, suggesting melanoma, with milia-like cysts and pseudofollicular openings suggesting seborrheic keratosis. (B) containing marked up photo.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Histopathology, (HE x 40) with features of regression and absence of junctional activity (left side of image) and nests of elongated tumour cells at the dermoepidermal junction (right side of image).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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