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Urine melanin - All Information

Alternative Names

Thormahlen's test; Melanin - urine

Definition of Urine melanin:

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

How the test is performed:

A clean-catch urine sample is needed.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is needed.

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal urination.

Why the test is performed:

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 Values:

Normally, melanin is not present in urine.

What abnormal results mean:

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

What the risks are:

There are no risks associated with this test.

Special considerations:

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

Urine sample

Reviewed last on: 8/24/2009
Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laboratory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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