Amelanotic melanoma in a kidney transplant patient: a rare case report

Abstract

Immunosuppressed individuals face a significantly elevated risk of developing aggressive cutaneous malignancies, often surpassing the aggressiveness observed in immunocompetent counterparts. Our patient exhibited several risk factors associated with melanoma development in renal recipients, including skin type, sun exposure, and the duration of immunosuppression. The determination of staging holds paramount importance as it directly influences both prognosis and subsequent management. It is crucial to handle suspected lesions with caution in these patients to facilitate early melanoma detection and enhance overall prognosis.

Figure 1

A large non-pigmented crusted nodule on the thigh in a blond 45-year-old man.

Figure 2

Hematoxylin and eosin stain (A–D) Microscopic images of the lesion. (A) Proliferating of malignant spindle cells with epidermal ulceration (40×). (B) Tumor cells invade subcutaneous fatty tissue (100×). (C and D) Pleomorphism, prominent nuclei, and mitotic figures are seen (200× and 400×).

Figure 3

Immunohistochemical stain image (A–D). The tumor cells are positive for HMB-45 (40×, 100×, 200×, 200×).

Figure 4

A clinical image shows multiple enlarged left inguinal lymph nodes.