Melanoma of the soft parts (clear cell sarcoma): A case report and review of the literature

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 38; no. 5; pp. 815 - 819
• Main Authors: Mackey, Steven L., Hebel, Jeanette, Cobb, Mark W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.05.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cell Nucleus - ultrastructure; Chromatin - ultrastructure; Cytoplasm - ultrastructure; Dermatology; Diagnosis, Differential; Fascia - pathology; Giant Cells - pathology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Melanins - biosynthesis; Melanoma, Amelanotic - diagnosis; Middle Aged; Muscle Neoplasms - diagnosis; Muscle Neoplasms - pathology; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - pathology; Neural Crest - pathology; Prognosis; Sarcoma, Clear Cell - diagnosis; Sarcoma, Clear Cell - pathology; Sarcoma, Clear Cell - secondary; Tendons - pathology; Tumors of the skin and soft tissue. Premalignant lesions; Case study; Human; Skin disease; Clear cell sarcoma; Soft tissue; Malignant tumor; Arm
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(98)70465-7

Melanoma of the soft parts (clear cell sarcoma) is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in tendons and aponeuroses, usually of the lower extremity and is believed to be of neural crest origin. Although the exact histogenesis of this tumor is unknown and some controversy still exists, the generally accepted view is that it arises from neural crest cells that have the capability to produce melanin. Because melanin or melanosomes can be demonstrated in a majority of these cases, the term melanoma of the soft parts (MSP) has been advanced. These tumors commonly metastasize and have a very poor prognosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:815-9.)