Primary mucosal melanoma in nasal cavity:a clinicopathological analysis of 10 cases

Purpose To study the clinicopathological features of the primary mucosal melanomas in the nasal cavity and to discuss its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods The clinical characteristics and histological features in 10 cases of mucosal melanomas of the nasal cavity were performed in combination with immunohistochemical studies. Results The patients were 3 males and 7 females, aged from 52 to 83 years (mean 59.8 years).The tumors were composed of a variety of cells (such as epithelioid, spindled, or undifferentiated). Immunohistochemical stain showed the tumors were positive for HMB-45, S-100 and vimentin. Primary nasal mucosal melanoma is a rare tumor that is frequently confused with other malignancies, resulting in inappropriate clinical management. To compare with melanoma in the skin, it usually follows an aggressive course.