Amelanotic lentigo maligna: A report of three cases and review of the literature

Background

Amelanotic lentigo maligna is not clinically suspected and is often mistaken for a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or dermatitis.

Objective

Our objective was to review previously reported cases of amelanotic lentigo maligna and compare them with our 3 cases.

Methods

The clinical presentation and histologic findings of 3 new cases are described and compared with those in the literature.

Results

The index of suspicion for amelanotic lentigo maligna is extremely low. No reported cases have been diagnosed clinically. None of our 3 cases was suspected.

Limitations

Only three cases were reviewed.

Conclusion

A high degree of clinical and histologic suspicion is required to make the diagnosis of this clinically nondescript neoplasm.