MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Urine melanin

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Urine melanin

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test	How the Test Will Feel Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Risks

Illustrations

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 so 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.

Update Date: 5/25/2007

Updated 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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