Simple Melanosis of the Bladder: A Rare Entity

Abstract

Simple melanosis of the bladder is an uncommon condition with fewer than 15 reported cases characterized by multifocal, diffuse melanin pigmentation of the urothelial mucosa. It is frequently associated with urinary incontinence or urgency. Histologically, melanin granules are present within urothelial cells or lamina propria macrophages with or without bland-appearing mucosal melanocytes. Although considered a benign entity, the rarity of the lesion warrants regular follow-up cystoscopic evaluation with biopsies to screen for the development of malignancy, especially malignant melanoma. This study presents a "typical" case with light, cytochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural characterization.

Lipofuscin pigmentation (so called “melanosis”) of the bladder

“…Through a thorough review of the literature we identified 30 cases of “melanosis” of the bladder, occurring in 17 men and 13 women, aged 43 to 86 (mean 65) years. The patients presented with lower urinary tract symptoms, gross hematuria or flank pain, and showed punctate, patchy or diffuse brown‐black discoloration of the bladder mucosa on cystoscopy.…”

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“…Melanosis has been seen in several other organs such as the skin, colon and oral mucosa [2]. Melanosis vesica, deposition of melanin pigment in the urothelium of the bladder is a rare condition.The exact incidence of this condition is unknown with only a few cases reported in the …”

Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra: a rare case of cytological observation

“…We previously reported a case of primary malignant melanoma in the urinary bladder [8]. In addition, a case of simple melanosis of the urinary bladder was recently reported [9]; this rare condition is occasionally associated with malignant melanoma.…”