Malignant melanoma in a Nigerian oculocutaneous albino

Abstract

Albinism is a rare autosomal recessive disorder occurring as a result of decrease or absence of tyrosinase enzyme resulting in a reduction in melanin synthesis. This is characterized by depigmentation, nystagmus, and photophobia and decrease visual acuity. Malignant melanoma though on the increase worldwide, it is very rare in the albino who have deficient melanocytes that express melanin. We present a case of malignant melanoma in a 26-year-old male undergraduate albino.