Intermediate
Technical
IVT
amelanotic melanoma
Pronunciation: ah-MEL-ah-not-ik
Unpigmented variant of ocular melanoma that lacks the characteristic dark coloration, making diagnosis more challenging.
Full Definition
A subtype of uveal melanoma that appears flesh-colored or pink rather than the typical brown or black pigmentation. These tumors can be more difficult to diagnose clinically and may be confused with other intraocular masses such as metastases or inflammatory lesions. Amelanotic melanomas represent approximately 10-25% of uveal melanomas and may have different growth patterns and metastatic potential compared to pigmented variants.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize the diagnostic challenge these lesions present in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The amelanotic melanoma was initially mistaken for a choroidal metastasis due to its pale appearance." — differential diagnosis discussion
- "Biopsy confirmed amelanotic melanoma despite the absence of typical pigmentation on fundoscopy." — pathology consultation
Also known as
unpigmented melanoma
non-pigmented melanoma
Contrasted with
pigmented melanoma
Don't confuse with
choroidal metastasis
inflammatory pseudotumor