Malignant melanoma in children: imaging spectrum

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the role of diagnostic imaging in detecting unsuspected metastatic disease in children with malignant melanoma. This has not been well studied previously.

Materials and methods: We correlated imaging findings of 33 children diagnosed with melanoma with the level of invasion and clinical stage of disease.

Results: Clinically undetectable metastases were identified in eight patients (25 %), four of whom had multiple metastases. All eight patients had deep lesions (Clark's level IV or V) or unknown primary sites of disease.

Conclusion: Children with thick melanomas and those with unknown site of primary tumors are at increased risk of having clinically unsuspected metastases and should undergo CT of the chest, abdomen, and local-regional nodal basins at diagnosis to determine disease extent.