Health Encyclopedia
Urine melanin
Definition
Urine melanin is a test to determine the abnormal presence of melanin in the urine.
Alternative Names
Thormahlen's test; Melanin - urineHow 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 so that it shows up in the urine.
Normal Results
Normally, melanin is not present in urine.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If melanin is present in the urine, malignant melanoma is suspected.
Risks
There are no risks associated with this test.
Review Date:
5/25/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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