Urine melanin

Alternative Names: Thormahlen's test; Melanin - urine

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

Why is the Test 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.

How is the Test Performed?

A clean-catch urine sample is needed.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is needed.

How will the Test Feel?

The test involves only normal urination.

Urine melanin Risks

There are no risks associated with this test.

Considerations

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

Normal Results for Urine melanin

Normally, melanin is not present in urine.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

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

Urine sample

Review Date: 8/24/2011
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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