Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Urine melanin

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Urine sample
Urine sample

Alternative Names    Return to top

Thormahlen's test; Melanin - urine

Definition    Return to top

Urine melanin is a test to determine the abnormal presence of melanin in the urine.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

A clean-catch urine sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

No special preparation is needed.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The test involves only normal urination.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test is used to diagnose melanoma, a type of skin cancer that produces melanin. If the cancer spreads (especially within the liver), the cancer may produce enough of this substance that it shows up in the urine.

Normal Results    Return to top

Normally, melanin is not present in urine.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

If melanin is present in the urine, malignant melanoma is suspected.

Risks    Return to top

There are no risks associated with this test.

Considerations    Return to top

This test is rarely performed as there are better diagnostic tests available.

Update Date: 2/5/2008

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.