Clinicopathologic characteristics of mucosal melanomas in nasal cavity: a report of 6 biopsied cases and review of literature

Objective To report 6 cases of primary mucosal melanomas in the nasal cavity and to discuss the histological and clinical features. Methods The clinical characteristics and histological features of mucosal melanomas of the nasal cavity were discussed in combination with immunohistochemical studies. Results Six patients, who were elder men, were found to have mucosal melanomas of the nasal cavity. Histologically, the tumors were composed of a variety of cell types (such as epithelioid, spindled, undifferentiated) tissue patterns. Immunohistochemical staining showed the tumors were positive for S\|100, HMB45 and Pan\|melanin. Conclusion Primary nasal mucosal melanoma is a rare tumor that is frequently confused with other malignancies,resulting in inappropriate clinical management. As a consequence, the diagnosis is often best confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. To compare with melanoma in the skin, it usually follows an aggressive course.