Cytomorphological Spectrum of Malignant Melanoma: A 3-Year Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is an aggressive malignant tumor with high metastatic potential. FNAC provides a quick and effective tool to diagnose primary and metastatic melanoma cases. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the epidemiological features of malignant melanoma cases attending in a tertiary care centre in India, with special reference to different cytomorphological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective hospital based study done in the Department of Pathology. 39 cases of malignant melanoma diagnosed on cytology during a period of 3 years were retrieved, reviewed and studied. RESULTS: Out of the 39 cases,21 were males(1.16 male:female ratio). The mean age was 53 years. Metastatic cases were more common than primary melanoma cases. Most common site for metastasis was liver followed by inguinal lymph node. Epitheloid was the most common pattern. CONCLUSION: Characterstic melanin pigment although common, is not always present. Thus, cytopathologists must know the various cytomorphological spectrum of features of melanoma.