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How does amelanotic melanoma look like?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Does this lesion in my lower back (pink) appear to be worrisome for amelanotic melanoma? It now appears flesh-colored. Pictures attached.
Answered by Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the pictures. (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Yes, they are looking like melanoma. Signs of vascularization in the previous nevus is suggestive of melanoma. Kindly consult a local dermatologist as dermoscopic and histological examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis.

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

As far as I know, it is not a previous nevus, though. Unless you can tell somehow that it was? I thought arborizing or branched serpentine vessels were much more commonly found in basal cell carcinomas, and amelanotic melanoma was more commonly polymorphous vessels.

Answered by Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

Actually amelanotic melanoma can also occur from an intradermal nevus, so it is not necessary to present over the skin. The use of dermoscopy in clinical practice will improve the identification of skin lesions although, unfortunately, it will not guarantee a diagnostic accuracy of 100%. At times this BCC (basal cell carcinoma) pattern will be difficult to differentiate from amelanotic.

Melanoma and the final diagnosis should rest on the histopathologic evaluation of the lesion. Other differentials include microvenular hemangioma, angioma serpiginosum, blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Dermoscopic finding of Spitz nevi is also the same as you had sent to me. So, I would highly recommend you go for histopathological examination.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At January 21, 2020
Reviewed At May 14, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Atishay Bukharia
Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Dermatology

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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