FNA diagnosis of malignant melanoma-recurrent and metastatic disease. (14th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alam, Kiran; Jain, Anshu; Aziz, Meher; Misra, Aroonima
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2012
• Publication Date: 2012-11-14
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We present a case of a 60-year-old woman with multiple right axillary swellings. Patient had a history of lump with pigmentation over back for which she was operated upon. There was also a nodule over resected scar on back. A final diagnosis of malignant melanoma (recurrent and metastatic to axillary lymph nodes) was rendered with the help of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Malignant melanomas are the most lethal of cancers of the skin and are notorious for the great variability of cytological presentation. We discuss the role of FNAC in early diagnosis and prognostication of recurrent and metastatic disease.